Prop kills Wasilla pilot

WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS — Friends of family members of a pilot who perished Thursday in an apparent on-the-ground accident in Wrangell-St. Elias remembered him as a helpful friend and caring man.

Clark J. Baldwin, 62, of Wasilla apparently walked through his propeller at about 11 a.m., June 4 while attempting to help another plane on the Peavine airstrip, 15 miles east of the McCarthy town site, according to Wrangell-St. Elias Chief Ranger Peter Christian.

“He (Baldwin) was struck and killed by his own prop as he attempted to exit his aircraft,” he said.

Six students of Baldwin’s family business, Alaska Cub Training Specialists, which operates out of Wolf Lake Airport in Wasilla, witnessed the incident, Christian said. Baldwin was killed instantly, he said.

Long-time friend Randy Tyler said Baldwin was always willing to help others. They met at Valley Church of Christ almost 20 years ago, after Baldwin retired from the Air Force with the rank of Lt. Colonel, Tyler remembered. Baldwin flew F-16 fighter jets in the Air Force, and was a commercial pilot for Northwest Airlines for several years, according to Tyler.

Dogsled mushers may also remember Baldwin. He flew with the Iditarod Air Force for several years.

“He’s a personal friend but just a great person for a lot of people,” Tyler said. “It’s hard to hear.”

Tyler said he’s a recreational pilot, but considered Baldwin an inspiration.

Baldwin’s family was not available for comment.

His pastor, The Rev. Robert Kuenning, it was fitting that Baldwin died helping someone else.

“He was a remarkable man,” Kuenning said. “Didn’t know a stranger, friendly as the day is long. He was courageous, but in a very deliberate, careful way. He was not a risk taker.”

Officials with the National Transportation Safety Board were en route to the scene to speak with National Park Rangers, who recovered the body from the scene, Christian said.

Contact Brian O’Connor at 352-2269, brian.oconnor@frontiersman.com or on Twitter @reporterbriano