Four Confirmed Dead in Plane Collision Near Trapper Creek

One plane crashed and burst into flames after impact while the other returned safely to Anchorage.

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By Katie Paglini

Story Created: Jul 30, 2011 at 8:22 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Jul 30, 2011 at 9:38 PM AKDT

Four people are confirmed dead following a mid-air plane collision near Amber Lake outside of Trapper Creek, according to Alaska State Troopers.

Two planes collided at about 2:14 p.m. Saturday; one plane crashed into the ground near Amber Lake and was engulfed in flames after impact.

The pilot of the other plane, and sole person on board, has been identified as Kevin Earp, 56, of Eagle River. He returned to Anchorage uninjured where he performed an emergency landing at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.

The plane sustained significant damage.

Troopers also responded to the scene of the downed airplane near Amber Lake and found the remains of four people in the wreckage. The State Medical Examiner's Office is assisting in the extraction of the remains.

The cause and circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have been notified of the crash and are also responding to the scenes.

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Electra said on Wednesday, Aug 3 at 9:12 PM

akbandit, I do not think anyone really knows why God lets tragic things happen. I just hope no one suffered. A family of seven from the one of the southern states was flying back home from a family reunion, because they wanted to get to church the next day. Something went wrong and the plane crashed killing all of them. Five children ages ranging 2-10 yr old. I cried, and wonder why too. My heart goes out to those families who lost their loves ones. Love your family and live life to your fullest, because you never know when your last day comes.

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akbandit said on Tuesday, Aug 2 at 10:19 PM

Incredibly sad tragedy. My heart goes out to the families dealing with such a sudden staggering loss. My deepest sympathy to all. Last month's relatively minor crash in Lake Clark Pass, which both planes survived, had people commenting about 'god watching out for the pilots'. Where was god this time? Didn't this beautiful young family deserve his help too? I simply can't comprehend such irrational beliefs, or belief in a god who would act so randomly. Wish someone could explain it to me.

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