Small Plane Hits Cable & Crashes Into Matanuska River At Mile 77 On The Glenn, Killing Pilot

Second Plane Crash Into Matanuska River In Only 6 Months 

Only 6 months after a plane crashed into the Matanuska River, and all three passengers, including a 7-month-old baby, survived, a second plane crash into the river has not turned out as well. The pilot of a  November 10th crash died. Earlier this year, a May 28th crash occurred in Glacier View, and triggered a swift response from Glacier View people, who courageously helped rescue the victims. This most recent crash also caused a huge response - from people in Chickaloon, 20 miles down the road. 

SEE STORY OF PREVIOUS MATANUSKA RIVER PLANE CRASH HERE 

Large Rescue Attempt Involved Wildlife Troopers, State Troopers, FAA, National Transportation Safety, Matanuska Dive Team 

UPDATE: The adult male pilot and sole occupant in the aircraft is identified as Joshua Seagrave, age 46 of Palmer. Next of kin has been notified. 

 

Location: Chickaloon
Type: Aircraft Crash Fatality
Dispatch Text:
On November 10, 2022, at 12:48 pm, Alaska Wildlife Troopers received a report of an airplane crash located in the Matanuska River near Mile 77 of the Glenn Highway.  AWT and AST Troopers responded to the scene. The FAA and NTSB were contacted, and the NTSB arrived on scene shortly after.  

The Matanuska Dive Team responded and launched their boat to access the site. The adult male pilot was the sole person in the aircraft and was declared deceased on scene. MTR Towing arrived on scene and with the help of the Dive Team were able to remove the aircraft from the river. The body was removed from the fuselage and turned over to a local funeral home vehicle. Further investigation revealed there was another aircraft flying with this aircraft and witnessed the aircraft hit a cable and crash. Next of kin notification procedures are ongoing.