**New Details Arise After Father and 2 Daughters Survived on Crashed Plane Wing**
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In a recent incident, new details have emerged following the miraculous survival of a father and his two daughters after their small plane crashed on a frozen lake in Alaska. The pilot, along with his young children, managed to endure on the wing of the aircraft for approximately 12 hours following the crash on a Kenai Peninsula lake on Sunday, March 23.
The Alaska Department of Public Safety stated that the aircraft was discovered by a “good Samaritan” on Monday, March 24, after the Alaska State Troopers were notified of an “overdue Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser aircraft that had not returned.” Terry Godes, the said good Samaritan, mentioned that he came across a post on Facebook seeking assistance to locate the missing plane. Despite the absence of a locator beacon on the plane, Godes embarked on a search mission the next morning, eventually spotting what appeared to be the wreckage.
Upon approaching the scene, Godes was taken aback as he saw three individuals atop the wing. He recounted, “It kind of broke my heart to see that, but as I got closer down and lower, I could see that there’s three people on top of the wing.” The trio, including the pilot and his daughters, were described as alive, responsive, and moving around, despite enduring a long, cold, dark, and wet night on the unexpected perch.
After locating the crash site, Godes promptly alerted other pilots involved in the search. As the news spread, Dale Eicher, another pilot, notified the authorities about the wreckage’s exact location within an hour of the search initiation. The family was eventually rescued by the Alaska Army National Guard around 10:30 a.m. on Monday near the eastern side of Tustemena Lake. They were immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Reports confirmed that the younger passengers were of elementary and middle school age.
The pilot’s father, John Morris, expressed gratitude towards the Kenai community for their unwavering support during the harrowing ordeal. He acknowledged the swift action and efforts put forth in locating and rescuing his son and grandchildren, expressing relief and appreciation for the community’s assistance.
The rescue operation involved an Alaska Army National Guard helicopter dispatched from its base in Anchorage. Lt. Col. Brendon Holbrook elaborated on the intricate rescue process, detailing the challenges faced, including the pilot’s hypothermic state due to being in the water post-crash. Fortunately, the rescue operation succeeded without any major setbacks, with Holbrook remarking on the fortunate outcome of the crew’s survival despite the perilous circumstances.
As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the crash, with the National Transportation Safety Board’s participation, the incident stands as a testament to the resilience and skill exhibited by both the rescued individuals and the dedicated rescue teams involved. This heartwarming tale of survival amidst adversity serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of timely and effective emergency responses in critical situations.