You are here

Home » Search Suspended For Downed Plane At Lake Clark National Park And Preserve

Search Suspended For Downed Plane At Lake Clark National Park And Preserve

Share

Published Date

December 12, 2016

Winter weather conditions have forced the National Park Service to suspend the search for a small plane that crashed into Lake Clark with four aboard/NPS

Deteriorating weather conditions led the National Park Service to suspend the search for a missing single-engine plane that went down into Lake Clark at Lake Clark National Park and Preserve in Alaska with four aboard.

"Persistent ice fog over the lake has hampered search efforts. Winter conditions, including ice in portions of the lake, prevent the use of the Park Service's larger boats appropriate for operation on the lake," the Park Service said Monday. "Items found on Thursday and Friday confirm the plane crashed in the lake."

The temperature Monday morning was 7 degrees, with foggy conditions. Efforts to search Sunday were called off when fog prevented an Alaska State Trooper helicopter from taking to the air. Last Friday, searchers recovered the co-pilot seat and all three wheels of the plane, the Park Service said.

The Park Service asked that any pilots flying over the 43-mile-long lake in the future report any debris, a description of the item, and a GPS point to staff at 907-781-2218.

The plane, a Piper PA-28, went missing last Wednesday during a flight from Port Alsworth inside the national park to Anchorage, Alaska, roughly 175 miles to the northeast. Debris was spotted in the park's namesake lake the next day.

Aboard the plane were pilot Kyle Longerbeam, 25; Scott Blom, 45, and his children, Zach Blom, 13, and Kaitlyn Blom, 14, all of Port Alsworth, according to the Park Service.

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.