Preliminary report released in fatal plane crash

Preliminary National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reports have released additional meteorological and technical information on a single-engine plane crash claiming the life of 25-year old Ray Justen of Wasilla. Justen’s Cessna 172 impacted on a river bed at Friday Creek and Knik River the afternoon of Oct. 29.

NTSB officials stated in its preliminary report that Justen was a student pilot and that the plane was registered to him. NTSB investigator Mike Hodges said it still remains unclear regarding the number of flight hours Justen had prior to the accident.

“We’re still reviewing all the documentation and going through records,” Hodges explained. Hodges said student pilots with sufficient skill level are allowed to make solo flights under specific guidelines. Officials stated Justen was operating under visual flight rules (VFR) conditions when the accident occurred. NTSB stated the flight originated from Wasilla airport. Additionally, no flight plan was filed nor is it known what time the plane departed.

Officials stated Justen’s plane sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage following a loss of control after takeoff from a remote, gravel-covered site adjacent to Knik River. The accident occurred around 2:45 p.m. approximately 12 miles southeast of Palmer.

According to various witnesses near the accident site, they observed the plane flying in the Knik River valley. Witnesses reported the airplane did a touch-and-go landing on the gravel bar. It then took off southeasterly and as it climbed to 100 feet above ground level, it turned to the left. During the left turn, the wings of the airplane rolled perpendicular to the ground, and it descended, nose low, before colliding with the gravel-covered site.

The closest official weather observation station is located at the Palmer Airport, about 13 miles to the northwest of the accident site. Officials stated that an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) was reporting around the time of the crash. It indicated winds at 340 degrees (true) at nine knots and 10-mile visibility. Witnesses reported gusty southeasterly wind conditions at the time of the accident, estimated between 20 and 25 knots.

Weather conditions were described as few clouds at 6,000 feet, overcast at 8,000 feet; temperature 39 degrees; dew point 25 degrees; altimeter 29.72 inHg.

A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) air safety investigator and the Alaska State Troopers arrived at the accident scene via helicopter shortly after it was reported. The NTSB investigator-in-charge and a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector traveled to the accident scene via helicopter the following day.

The wreckage was located in an area of flat, gravel-covered terrain north of the Knik River, with heavy vegetation to the north of the wreckage site. The wreckage was recovered and transported to a secure facility for future examination of the airframe and engine.