Wasilla man killed in plane crash outside Nome

A 28-year old Wasilla man is dead following a single-engine plane crash just east of Nome.

Alaska State Troopers (AST) dispatch reports Thomas Grainger's downed plane was found around 10 a.m. Monday. AST received a report of an overdue plane flying from Wasilla to Nome around 5:40 a.m. that morning.

Troopers report Grainger's last communication came in at 10:30 p.m. Sunday night and that the Cessna 172 was not able to land in Nome due to weather conditions. AST stated Grainger was the only occupant in the plane. Ground searchers and Nome Search and Rescue began their search locating the craft at Hastings Creek, approximately 10 miles east of Nome.

AST responded to the scene and confirmed the casualty. Next of kin, the State Medical Examiner's office and National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified.