Plane Crashes Near Chuathbaluk

Sole occupant found deceased

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By KTVA CBS 11 News

Story Created: Nov 30, 2011 at 9:42 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Nov 30, 2011 at 10:33 AM AKDT

From the Alaska State Troopers: On 11-29-11, at about 1905 hours, an Inland Aviation Cessna 207 departed Aniak for Chuathbaluk. On board the aircraft was the sole occupant and owner of the company 61-year-old Stephen Hill of Aniak.

Individuals reported that the runway lights activated in Chuathbaluk,
but the Inland plane did not arrive. Additionally around the time the
lights activated a significant snow squall commenced, which made landing at the airport nearly impossible. State Troopers were notified that the plane did not land in Chuathbaluk and it was not located in Aniak. A short time later residents of Chuathbaluk reported hearing a plane stall near the village, but its location was unknown. At about 2115 hours, Alaska State Troopers and Alaska Wildlife Troopers arrived in Chuathbaluk, where aided by volunteer searchers from both Aniak and Chuathbaluk, searched the village and downstream from Chuathbaluk. On 11-30-11, at about 0145 hours, ground searchers and troopers located the plane approximately 3 miles southwest of Chuathbaluk in a heavily forested area. The plane was a total loss and Hill appeared to have died on impact. The State Medical Examiners Office was notified and an autopsy was requested. Next of kin was notified. The NTSB and FAA were
notified and they will be responding to Aniak to investigate.

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beckie etukeok said on Thursday, Dec 1 at 7:51 AM

chuathbaluk is pronounced: chew ath bah luck, it is Yupik, meaning place of the big blue berry.

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Robert Hall said on Friday, Dec 23 at 7:35 PM

Best place I've ever taught.

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