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Regal Air pilot killed in crash Thursday north of Lake Clark

NPS

Pilot Joel Black of Pemberville, OH, sole occupant of Cessna 206 that crashed. Cause of crash unknown. Pilot's remains have been recovered and transported to Anchorage for an autopsy.

Credit FAA
Conditions Thursday afternoon from an FAA webcam looking south from Lake Clark Pass, towards the vicinity of where Miller Creek drains into Lake Clark.

Update: The National Park Service confirmed Friday that authorities were able to recovery the body of Regal Air pilot Joel Black from Ohio. They landed at the site of the wreckage Thursday, and Black's remains were sent to Anchorage for an autopsy.

KDLG: Recovery efforts are underway Thursday evening for what is believed to be a fatal aircraft accident in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.

Spokesperson Megan Richotte said that an NPS aircraft with rangers was launched to search after an emergency locator beacon signal was picked up around 9:30 a.m. Thursday.

“They did locate the ELT and found a downed and still burning aircraft in Miller Creek which is on the north side of Lake Clark itself," she said.

According to Richotte, Regal Air out of Anchorage reported that the pilot, whose name has not been released, was the only occupant onboard the Cessna 206.

“Alaska State Troopers are enroute to Port Alsworth with a helicopter, and park rangers and state troopers will be going to the site of the crash for recovery operations this evening," said Richotte.

She did not know Thursday what the Regal Cessna 206's flight plan had been.

The NTSB will be investigating the accident.

This story will be updated when more details are available.

dave@kdlg.orgor 907.842.5281

Credit USDA
Miller Creek drains into Lake Clark northeast of the Kijik River and Kijik Mountain.