The number of aircraft accidents for 2022 at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve has exceeded the park's annual average. / NPS - John Pritz

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska reported a fourth aircraft accident in the park in a news release dated September 6th, exceeding an annual average of two-three plane crashes a year. Three additional accidents near the Fosse, Cooper Pass, and Cottonwood Creek in recent days take the total number of crashes in the Park and Preserve up to seven this year. None of these accidents have resulted in human fatalities or major injuries, fortunately, but they are still cause for concern. 

The National Park Service (NPS) encourages pilots to use caution and good judgement when attempting private aircraft landings and takeoffs to avoid serious consequences. More information on off-airport best practices and aviation safety are at: Off Airport Ops Guide (faasafety.gov) and Aviation Safety - Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).

Additionally, Special Use Permits (SUP) are required for helicopter use for aircraft salvage within park and preserve boundaries. This is to ensure the activity is conducted in a safe and environmentally sound manner and does not adversely affect natural or cultural resources, subsistence resource use, visitor use or administration of the area. Information on SUP’s can be found on the park’s website Permits & Reservations - Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).