Seaplane crashes after takeoff in Alaska injuring 6 aboard

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A plane bound for Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska crashed into the water as it was leaving a seaplane base in Anchorage on Tuesday, injuring all six people on board, two seriously, an official with the National Transportation Safety Board said.

Clint Johnson, chief of the agency’s Alaska division, said the plane operated by Regal Air had taken off and was in its initial climb phase when the accident occurred. There were five passengers on the plane plus the pilot, he said.

He said the passengers were from outside Alaska. He said it was his understanding that two families were on board.

A message seeking comment was sent to Regal Air, which offers a bear viewing package at the park among its flight options.

Johnson said the aircraft following the accident was “substantially damaged and partially submerged.” He said recovery crews were in the process of trying to remove the wreckage from the water.

The Associated Press