Helicopter pilot injured in midair collision near King Salmon

A float-equipped small plane and a helicopter collided midair in Katmai National Park and Preserve, injuring one person, officials said Tuesday.

The helicopter pilot, who was alone in that aircraft, sustained minor injuries in the Monday afternoon crash, according to Clint Johnson, chief of the National Transportation Safety Board’s Alaska region. None of the seven people aboard the plane were hurt, he added.

Both pilots were able to make emergency landings, the park said in a statement.

The NTSB is in the early stages of its investigation into the collision, which occurred within the park and about 40 miles east of King Salmon. King Salmon, where the park’s headquarters are located, is about 290 miles southwest of Anchorage.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage and the plane had minor damage to its floats, Johnson said.

Previous articleKetchikan reinstates its police chief after felony assault charge is dropped
Next articlePresbyterian Church leaders visit Juneau to plan apology for 1962 church closure