Mapping Alaska’s fatal flights

The short summer months of June, July and August are the deadliest months for flying in Alaska, according to Ben Matheson who mapped the last 15 years of fatal airplane crashes using data from the National Transportation Safety Board.

Go see his blog for interactive maps detailing each plane crash.

Being a bush pilot is a dangerous occupation:

On average, just under 22 people die annually in Alaskan aviation incidents. 2009 and 2014 each had just four fatal crashes, claiming seven and five lives respectively.

But it’s not during Alaska’s cold, wet, and dark winters that tragedies claim the lives of pilots and passengers. The short three months of summer account for a disproportionate amount of crashes over the past 15 years. 55% of the fatal crashes in this period happened during June, July, and August. It’s a period of intense activity: the salmon are running, there’s no shortage of daylight. People naturally get around more this time of year and spend more time in the air.

Read more.

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