Teen Among 2 Dead After Plane Crashes into Alaska Mountains

**Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Two in Alaska’s Wrangell Mountains**

The remote beauty of Alaska’s Wrangell Mountains has been marred by tragedy following a plane crash that resulted in the deaths of two individuals. The victims have been identified as Cabot Pitts, 42, of Palmer, who was the pilot, and 18-year-old Connor Helsel, who was a passenger. The crash occurred on the evening of September 17, around 7:50 p.m. local time, prompting a response from the Alaska State Troopers.

The incident took place shortly after the Piper Cub aircraft took off from a dirt airstrip in the Nabesna area, an unincorporated community situated within the vast expanse of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. According to investigators, the plane experienced difficulties soon after departure, leading to its unfortunate crash. Both Pitts and Helsel were pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities have confirmed that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been alerted and will be conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. A spokesperson for the NTSB, Millicent Hill, provided details that indicated the aircraft had taken off from a dirt airstrip located in the Snag Creek region.

Connor Helsel had recently relocated to Alaska from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where he was one of six siblings. According to his parents, Herb and Courtney Helsel, he had a passion for outdoor activities, such as hunting and fishing, and had plans to work as a packer in his new home. His father recounted a conversation with Connor, in which the young man described the challenges of his new role but remained resolute in his determination to succeed, saying, “There’s no quit in me, Dad.”

Herb painted a picture of his son as a source of positivity and laughter within the family. “He was always the one that kept everybody calm and cool or cracked a joke,” said Courtney, reminiscing about her son’s wonderful sense of humour.

Cabot Pitts was known as a dedicated pilot and a licensed guide, operating Alaska Wild Wind Adventures. His clients illustrated his character, with Wayne Wilson, one of those clients, describing their encounter, saying it felt as if he had known Pitts for years. Wilson recounted a moment when Pitts expressed his love for flying, stating, “I’m doing what I love,” reflecting his passion for aviation and the great outdoors.

Sadly, this tragic event is part of a concerning trend in Alaskan aviation safety. The September 17 crash is one of several recent incidents that have collectively claimed the lives of more than a dozen individuals over the past month. On August 20, eight people perished when a government-chartered plane crashed near a remote radar site along Alaska’s Bering Sea coast. Just a week later, four more lives were lost when a plane attempted to land at a Seldovia airport and crashed in the process.

Further incidents continued to plague the region, as two lives were lost on September 15 when another plane crashed during take-off from a moose camp near Aniak in Western Alaska. This aircraft was reportedly operated by a Chugiak air taxi service, underscoring the dangers faced by aviators in the remote Alaskan wilderness.

The loss of both Cabot Pitts and Connor Helsel has left their friends and family in mourning, with many remembering them for their spirited nature and zest for life. The upcoming investigations by the NTSB may shed light on the increasing number of aviation-related fatalities in the state, as both the local community and the aviation industry search for answers and safety improvements.

As Alaska grapples with the aftermath of this crash, the stories of the two men lost serve as a poignant reminder of both the risks inherent in aviation and the deep love for adventure that draws many to the wilderness. The thoughts of the community remain with the families affected by this tragedy during this difficult time.