Two plane crashes in Alaska within a week have resulted in the tragic deaths of a well-known hunting guide and his teenage employee. Cabot Pitts, 42, and Connor Helsel, 18, died in a crash on September 17, 2026, near the Wrangell Mountains.
Why it matters: The fatalities highlight the dangers of small aircraft operations in Alaska, particularly during the busy hunting season. With an uptick in flights to hunting camps, safety concerns are rising.
- Pitts and Helsel were the only occupants of the PA-18 Super Cub that crashed shortly after takeoff from a dirt airstrip in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.
- The crash occurred around 8 p.m. as Pitts was moving Helsel between hunting camps.
- In total, 16 people have died in four plane crashes in Alaska since August, underscoring a worrying trend.
Driving the news: The Alaska State Troopers identified the victims after the crash. Pitts, a Palmer resident, owned Alaska Wildwind Adventures and was president of the Alaska Professional Hunters Association. Helsel, from Michigan, had traveled to Alaska to work for Pitts.
- The crash site is about 50 miles east of Nabesna and 15 miles from the Canadian border.
- Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the crash, and there were no eyewitnesses.
- Millicent Hill, an investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board, plans to visit the crash site for a closer examination.
State of play: The previous fatal crash involved pilot Nicholas Peters and passenger John "Jack" Ervin, who died on September 15 when their Cessna 185 went down after taking off from a moose camp near Aniak.
- This incident marks the second fatal crash related to hunting trips in just one week.
- Since mid-August, the number of fatalities in Alaska due to plane crashes has raised alarms among safety officials.
- Hill noted that the fall season typically sees an increase in aviation accidents due to heightened hunting activity.
The big picture: The frequency of plane crashes in Alaska raises concerns about aviation safety, especially as more hunters travel to remote areas.
- According to Hill, "This is typically the peak busy season, both for fatal accidents and non-fatal accidents."
- She emphasized that off-airport operations are particularly risky, even with precautions in place.
- The dangerous conditions are exacerbated by the remote nature of many hunting camps.
What they're saying: Community members and organizations are mourning the loss of Pitts and Helsel.
- The Alaska Professional Hunters Association released a statement describing Pitts as a dedicated husband and father.
- Helsel's family shared their grief through social media, highlighting his commitment to his work in Alaska.
- "He was a bright light in our lives," said a representative from Helsel's church.
By the numbers: The recent spate of crashes has resulted in 16 fatalities across four incidents since August.
- On August 20, eight people died in a separate crash at a military radar site on the Bering Sea coast.
- Four additional fatalities occurred on August 26 when another plane crashed during landing attempts in Seldovia.
- These incidents highlight the inherent risks associated with flying in Alaska's rugged terrain.
Between the lines: The increase in aviation accidents during the fall season is a known phenomenon among safety experts.
- Many hunters rely on small planes to access remote locations, creating a higher demand for flights.
- Officials stress the importance of adhering to safety protocols, especially during peak seasons.
- The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting thorough investigations into each incident to improve safety measures.
What's next: Investigations into the causes of these crashes will continue, with the NTSB prioritizing safety in its findings.
- Millicent Hill is expected to provide updates as her investigation progresses.
- The Alaska Professional Hunters Association plans to hold discussions on enhancing safety protocols in light of the recent tragedies.
- Community memorials for Pitts and Helsel are anticipated as friends and family come together to honor their memories.