What Is 2019 Alaska mid-air collision

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 Alaska mid-air collision occurred on May 13, 2019, near Ketchikan, when a Taquan Air DHC-3 Otter and a Mountain Air Service Piper PA-31 collided, killing all 6 people aboard both aircraft. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigated the cause, citing air traffic control limitations and visual flight rules in congested airspace.

Key Facts

Collision occurred on May 13, 2019, near Ketchikan, Alaska
Involved a Taquan Air DHC-3 Otter and a Mountain Air Service Piper PA-31
All 6 people aboard both aircraft died in the crash
The NTSB cited visual flight rules (VFR) and lack of radar coverage as contributing factors
Ketchikan airspace has no mandatory air traffic control for VFR flights

Overview

On May 13, 2019, a fatal mid-air collision unfolded near Ketchikan, Alaska, involving two regional tour aircraft operating under visual flight rules. The incident occurred in the airspace above George Inlet, a popular corridor for sightseeing flights, during a busy tourist season.

The crash claimed the lives of all six individuals aboard both planes, marking one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Alaska in recent years. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched an immediate investigation to determine the causes and contributing factors, focusing on pilot visibility, air traffic coordination, and regional flight regulations.

Collision time: The mid-air impact occurred at approximately 11:58 a.m. local time, shortly after both aircraft departed Ketchikan International Airport.
Aircraft involved: A Taquan Air de Havilland DHC-3 Otter (registration N936TA) and a Mountain Air Service Piper PA-31 Navajo Chieftain (N565MA) were both conducting scheduled passenger flights.
Victims: The crash killed three passengers and one pilot on the Otter, and two pilots on the PA-31, with no survivors.
Location: The wreckage was found near the mouth of George Inlet, about 12 miles northeast of Ketchikan, scattered across a remote, forested area.
Flight purpose: The Otter was en route to Misty Fjords National Monument on a sightseeing tour, while the PA-31 was conducting a charter flight to Petersburg.

How It Works

Understanding the operational environment of southeastern Alaska’s airspace is key to grasping how the collision occurred. Unlike controlled airspace around major airports, this region relies heavily on visual flight rules (VFR) and pilot self-communication.

Visual Flight Rules (VFR):Pilots operate under VFR when weather permits clear visibility, relying on sight to avoid other aircraft rather than air traffic control guidance.
Flight Following:ATC can provide radar advisories on request, but in this region, radar coverage is limited and not required, leaving pilots responsible for separation.
Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF):Pilots broadcast their positions on a shared radio frequency, but coordination depends on timely and accurate self-reporting.
Airspace Classification: The area is designated Class E airspace, which allows VFR flights without mandatory ATC clearance, increasing reliance on pilot vigilance.
Terrain and Weather:Mountainous terrain and rapidly changing weather in southeast Alaska can limit visibility and complicate visual separation.
Tour Operator Density:Ketchikan sees high traffic from multiple air tour companies, increasing the risk of mid-air conflicts during peak hours.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key operational and safety factors between the two aircraft involved in the 2019 mid-air collision:

Factor	Taquan Air DHC-3 Otter	Mountain Air Service PA-31
Type	De Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter	Piper PA-31 Navajo Chieftain
Capacity	Up to 10 passengers + 1 pilot	Up to 6 passengers + 2 pilots
Primary Use	Sightseeing tours in remote areas	Charter and cargo transport
Altitude Range	Operated at ~3,500 feet	Reported at ~3,700 feet
Communication Protocol	Used CTAF for position reports	Also relied on CTAF, no radar contact

Despite both aircraft following standard regional procedures, the lack of centralized air traffic control and radar surveillance in the area created conditions where visual separation failed. The NTSB later emphasized that improved surveillance technology and standardized reporting could reduce such risks in high-density tourist corridors.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Alaska mid-air collision underscores systemic safety challenges in regions with high air traffic density but limited regulatory oversight. It has prompted calls for modernizing flight monitoring in remote but busy airspace.

Safety Regulations: The crash highlighted gaps in FAA oversight for VFR operations in Alaska, where air tours are common but safety standards vary.
Technology Adoption: Advocates now push for ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) as standard equipment to enhance situational awareness.
Pilot Training: Improved training in collision avoidance and radio communication is now recommended for all operators in the region.
Industry Impact: Several Alaskan air tour companies revised flight path protocols to reduce route overlap after the incident.
NTSB Recommendations: The board issued urgent calls for mandatory pilot position reporting and expanded radar or satellite tracking.
Public Awareness: The tragedy raised awareness about the risks of uncontrolled airspace even for commercial passenger flights.

This event remains a critical case study in aviation safety, demonstrating how geography, regulation, and human factors intersect in high-risk environments.