Investigation Underway in Deadly Alaska Plane Crash

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU/Gray News) – A tragic plane crash in Alaska may have been influenced by a loose dog on the runway. On April 28, a Cessna 207, carrying three individuals, went down in the afternoon, resulting in the deaths of 48-year-old pilot Daniel Bunker and 37-year-old Jenny Irene Miller. A third passenger sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized, according to state troopers.

Witnesses reported seeing a loose dog on the runway during the Cessna’s approach from Homer to the Nanwalek airstrip. Chief Clint Johnson of the National Transportation Safety Board stated, “What we understand now is that there may have been an animal, namely a dog, that was on the runway.” He noted that Bunker initiated a go-around as he communicated with another aircraft behind him. Unfortunately, the plane entered a steep climb and then lost control.

Johnson indicated that the plane likely experienced an aerodynamic stall, prompting the crash, but he emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages. “We don’t want to draw any conclusions at this point,” he remarked, highlighting the ongoing examination of the aircraft for potential mechanical issues.

While the aircraft crashed near the beach, in the tide zone, rescuers managed to pull it further away from water after the accident. Johnson confirmed that recovery efforts are in coordination with Smokey Bay Air and its insurance provider. Witnesses who haven’t spoken to the NTSB are encouraged to submit statements online.