Pilot Dies in Cessna 206 Crash in Alaska River Accident
A tragic accident occurred on September 24, 2024, when a Cessna 206 aircraft crashed into the Porcupine River in Alaska, resulting in the death of 28-year-old pilot Hannah Dillick. The aircraft was discovered partially submerged in the river at a remote site northwest of the village of Chalkyitsik, approximately 50 miles (80.46 kilometers) east of Fort Yukon and 170 miles (273.58 kilometers) northeast of Fairbanks.
Hannah Dillick was confirmed as the sole occupant of the aircraft, and her death was announced on September 25, 2024. Clint Johnson, head of the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) Alaska region, stated that there were no initial indicators to explain the cause of the crash. The incident has prompted an investigation by the Division of Alaska State Troopers, who arrived at the crash site the same day to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Upon reaching the scene, authorities observed the Cessna 206, registered as N8255Q, partly submerged in the river, with the pilot’s body inside the aircraft. The plane was owned by Kavik Aviation Services, a company known for offering on-demand charter flights for various activities, including fishing, hunting, bear viewing, and remote fuel delivery.
On September 25, Blue River Aviation, an aviation school based in Palmer, Alaska, publicly mourned the loss of Dillick through a heartfelt post on Facebook. The school expressed their sorrow, stating, “It is with heavy hearts that we learned today of the passing of our teammate, friend, and fellow pilot, Hannah Dillick, in an airplane accident in Northern Alaska. Blue River Aviation extends our deepest condolences to Hannah’s loved ones, and we are doing everything we can to support her family and our team during this difficult time.”
The NTSB is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the crash, examining factors that may have contributed to the accident. This incident marks the ninth fatal aircraft or helicopter accident in Alaska in 2024 and the fifth such occurrence in September alone, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding aviation safety in the region.
As the investigation unfolds, the aviation community and local residents are coming together to honor Hannah Dillick’s memory and support her family during this tragic time. Dillick was not only a skilled pilot but also a valued member of the aviation community, and her loss is felt deeply by her peers and loved ones.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation, and more details will likely emerge as authorities gather information and analyze the factors involved. The NTSB’s findings will be critical in understanding the causes of this accident and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
As Alaska continues to be a hub for aviation activities, incidents like this serve as poignant reminders of the inherent risks associated with flying in remote areas. The community’s response to this tragedy underscores the importance of support and solidarity during difficult times in the aviation industry.