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NTSB: Trees struck during go-around caused Alaska crash

8/28/2026

37 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Pilot Middlebrook Crashes

Alaska State Troopers reported a Piper PA-24 crash near Seldovia, killing four adults.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators said the aircraft struck trees during a go-around, causing the crash.
Pilot Eric Middlebrook, 68, former Bethel mayor, and three California passengers died.
Senator Dan Sullivan said he will be briefed by the NTSB and FAA, calling the incident heartbreaking and unacceptable.

Summary

NTSB Deploys Team

NTSB deployed a six-member team led by Senior Air Safety Investigator Eric Gutierrez for on-site work.
A GoFundMe campaign raised over $47,000 for Trevor McWilliams’ family after the Cape Newenham crash.
Recovery will need helicopters and a cargo plane and may take weeks because of steep terrain.
Security Aviation expressed heartbreak, offered condolences, and pledged full cooperation with the investigation.

History

Historical Context

After the May 25 1979 crash of American Airlines Flight 191, which killed 273 people, the NTSB identified a faulty engine-pylon maintenance method and spurred a $2 billion industry retrofit and tighter FAA oversight. Those reforms now guide Alaska State Troopers and the NTSB team led by Senior Air Safety Investigator Eric Gutierrez as they probe the 2024 Piper PA-24 crash.

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Pilot Middlebrook Crashes

Alaska State Troopers reported a Piper PA-24 crash near Seldovia, killing four adults.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators said the aircraft struck trees during a go-around, causing the crash.
Pilot Eric Middlebrook, 68, former Bethel mayor, and three California passengers died.
Senator Dan Sullivan said he will be briefed by the NTSB and FAA, calling the incident heartbreaking and unacceptable.

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