Cleanup has been completed following a floatplane crash in Katmai National Park and Preserve earlier this month. The single-engine aircraft was removed from the remote crash site on August 11th, five days after the accident.
According to the National Park Service, no injuries were reported in the crash that occurred near lower Moraine Creek at around 6pm on August 6th.
Aircraft Removed After NTSB Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) led an investigation into the circumstances of the accident. Once completed, the National Park Service staff worked with the aircraft owner to remove the plane and clean up the area. Fortunately fuel from the plane remain contained after the accident, reducing the potential impact on the surrounding environment.
Park staff is set to conduct a final inspection of the crash site and the area to ensure that all required cleanup measures have been completed.
“We are grateful that no one was injured in this accident and that the aircraft was removed safely. Protecting Katmai’s natural resources is an important part of our responsibility following an incident like this.” – Katmai National Park and Preserve Superintendent Mark Sturm
Remote Katmai Relies On Aircraft
The crash occurred in a remote portion of Katmai National Park and Preserve, where much of the landscape cannot be reached by road. Aircraft play an important role in transportation throughout the park by providing access for visitors and commercial operators traveling to destinations across the expansive Alaska wilderness.
The remote nature of Katmai means aviation is particularly important for tourism and transportation. Floatplanes are commonly used to reach areas that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to access. While the cleanup operation has now been completed, the investigation into the cause of the August 6th crash remains under the authority of the National Transportation Safety Board.