Zoë Sobel, KUCB, and Agnel Philip, ProPublica
FAA suggests steps to improve aviation safety in Alaska. Some experts say they’re not enough.
Recommendations released last week by the Federal Aviation Administration to improve aviation safety in Alaska represent a significant step forward but fall short of what’s needed to reduce the state’s fatal crash rate, aviation experts say.
Searching for solutions to Alaska’s high rate of deadly air crashes
Our investigation revealed that Alaska has a growing share of the country’s deadly crashes from small commercial flights. Here’s what experts say could be done to improve aviation safety in the state.
Fatal crash near Ketchikan renews concerns about safety of Alaska aviation
A sightseeing flight near Ketchikan crashed last week, killing the pilot and five passengers. So far this year, 13 people have died in three crashes of small commercial planes.
Commercial aviation is essential to life in Alaska. It’s also home to a growing share of the country’s deadly crashes.
Alaska’s terrain and infrastructure pose unique challenges when flying. Some say the Federal Aviation Administration has been slow to account for these hazards, leaving pilots and customers to fend for themselves, sometimes at risk to their lives.