Mapping Alaska’s fatal flights
Screen grab from Ben Matheson’s Alaska’s Deadly Skies Mapped.
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.
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2 Comments
gold miner
And this is on a mining news website because…?
Merv Ritchie
As I live in the region and am fully aware of it being the general location of the worlds largest identified undeveloped gold prospects, besides moly and everything else, I appreciate this tidbit of info. I am also aware of fixed wing and chopper operations that would not be my first choice. As explorers venture into these remote areas it would be prudent to be aware and not push the available daylight hours or the newbie operator from Alberta or other points from away. This region is unforgiving to the neophyte.
All the best when venturing into the worlds last undisturbed mecca of potential. The Pristine territories of the Tsimshian, Nisga’a, Tahltan and Tlingit are unique and simply marvelous. Treat them with respect and don’t add to the death count with the unaware, unprofessional operators, there are a few.