Officials say a pilot died when his small plane crashed Friday morning at the Dillingham airport. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was identified by Alaska State Troopers as 33-year-old John Landsiedel of Dillingham.
First responders learned at about 9:15 a.m. that a Piper J3C-65 Cub aircraft had crashed on the airport’s runway, according to Alaska State Troopers. The plane was privately operated.
Alaska State Troopers spokesperson Austin McDaniel said that the airport closed temporarily Friday morning, and that the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.
In a Facebook post, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game described Landsiedel as a beloved colleague and community member who “engaged in wildlife management activities that were logistically, physically, and emotionally challenging to a level that most people will never experience.”
Alaska Speaker of the House and State Rep. Bryce Edgmon, who represents Dillingham, expressed condolences to Landsiedel’s family in a social media post on Friday, calling the crash “a heartbreaking tragedy." Governor Mike Dunleavy also expressed condolences to Landsiedel’s family, friends and coworkers in a Facebook post.
Alaska State Troopers say Landsiedel's family has been notified.
