A tragic plane crash left seven people dead including a legislator and four South Carolina tourists when two jets collided mid-air on Friday.
The crash occurred two miles northeast of Soldotna Airport at 8:30 a.m. Friday. The FAA announced that the planes involved were a single-engine de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver and a twin-engine Piper Aztec but said that this information needs further investigation.
Alaskan State Rep. Gary Knopp was piloting one of the flights the other victims were Gregory Bell, 67; David Rogers, 40; Caleb Hulsey, 26; Heather Husley, 25; Mackay Husley, 24, and Kirstin Wright, 23.
“The first lady and I were heartbroken to learn of the accident above Soldotna today,” Gov. Mike Dunleavy said. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the families.”
