A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) sheds light on the tragic plane crash last month in Alaska that killed veteran bush pilot Jim Tweto, star of the Discovery Channel's "Flying Wild Alaska," and hunting guide Shane Reynolds. The small aircraft apparently collided with a tree during takeoff from a remote airstrip, leading to the fatal incident.
According to NTSB Alaska region chief Clint Johnson, the impact with the large standing dead tree, often called a snag, likely disabled the plane's vertical stabilizer, causing the aircraft to crash shortly after. The crash occurred near Shaktoolik, a village located approximately 125 miles east of Nome.
Tweto, 68, was a respected figure in Alaska's aviation community and ran a family aviation business that was the focus of the "Flying Wild Alaska" series. Reynolds, 45, was from Orofino, Idaho.
On the day of the accident, Tweto was transporting hunters from a remote airstrip back to Unalakleet. He had already flown two hunters out and was returning for Reynolds and another guide. Reynolds boarded the plane with some gear, and Tweto intended to make a final trip for the remaining guide and equipment.
The NTSB report details a typical takeoff pattern from the airstrip, where the plane would initially dip below the airstrip before climbing back into view. The guide who remained on the ground observed the beginning of the takeoff, which appeared normal. However, after turning away briefly, he noticed the absence of engine noise and realized something was amiss. He then discovered the wreckage 300 feet below the airstrip after running to the ridgeline. He immediately activated an emergency alert using a GPS tracker and hiked down to the crash site.
A helicopter pilot who responded to the scene approximately 45 minutes later reported unusual wind conditions in the area, describing variable and gusting winds. Investigators located a broken tree approximately 4 inches thick along the left side of the runway. The break, about 4 feet above the base, revealed fragments of red paint matching the color of Tweto’s aircraft, supporting the theory of a collision during takeoff.
A witness also reported shifting winds around the time of the flight. The NTSB's investigation is ongoing, and a final report is expected within the next year.
