http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/26/us/alaska-plane-crash/

9 killed when plane carrying cruise passengers crashes in Alaska

By Greg Morrison, CNN
Updated 7:13 AM ET, Fri June 26, 2015

Fatal plane crash in Alaska 01:09
Story highlights

Authorities haven't determined why the plane went down
The passengers were on a seven-day cruise
A chopper pilot reported seeing plane's wreckage against a granite face rock

(CNN)A sightseeing plane carrying a pilot and eight cruise ship passengers crashed into a cliff in southeast Alaska, killing everyone on board.

"There are no survivors," said Promech Air, the plane's operator.

Because of poor weather conditions, the body recovery process won't take place until Friday, the Alaska State Troopers said.

The DeHavilland DHC-3T Otter, a floatplane, crashed in steep, mountainous terrain about 25 miles northeast of Ketchikan.

Authorities haven't determined why it went down.

The plane was on a shore excursion, sold through Holland America Line. A private helicopter pilot reported seeing the plane's wreckage against a granite rock face, 800 feet above Ella Lake.


"We are incredibly distressed by this situation, and our thoughts and prayers are with those on board the plane and their families," Holland America said.

The eight passengers were from the MS Westerdam, which left Seattle on Saturday for a seven-day round-trip cruise.

The plane had taken off on a tour of the 2-million-acre Misty Fjords National Monument, accessible only by floatplanes or boats.

"Towering granite cliffs, 1,000-foot waterfalls, lush and remote valleys and serene crystalline lakes make up this incredible landscape," the airline says in its website.

The names of the victims will be withheld until family members are notified.

"There is nothing I can say that can alleviate the pain and overwhelming sense of loss that we and the loved ones of those affected are feeling," said Marcus Sessoms, Promech Air's president. "At this moment, all of us share the pain and anguish of this terrible event."

CNN's Pat St. Claire contributed to this report

34 minutes ago - CNN

http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/26/us/alaska-plane-crash/[!url]

Story highlights

Authorities haven't determined why the plane went down
The passengers were on a seven-day cruise
A chopper pilot reported seeing plane's wreckage against a granite face rock
(CNN)Authorities have tentatively identified all nine bodies from a sightseeing plane that crashed into a cliff in southeast Alaska.

Eight passengers and a pilot were on board the flight.

On Friday, Alaska State Troopers identified the victims as: Hal Cheney, 71, and Mary Doucette, 59, both of Lodi, California; Glenda Cambiaso, 31, and Hugo Cambiaso, 65, both of North Potomac, Maryland; June Kranenburg, 73, and Leonard Kranenburg, 63, both of Medford, Oregon; Margie Apodaca, 63, and Raymond Apodaca, 70, both of Sparks, Nevada; and the pilot, Bryan Krill, 64, of Hope, Idaho.

The scene
The DeHavilland DHC-3T Otter, a floatplane, crashed in steep, mountainous terrain about 25 miles northeast of Ketchikan on Thursday.

Authorities haven't determined why it went down.


The plane was on a shore excursion from a cruise ship, sold through Holland America Line. A private helicopter pilot reported seeing the plane's wreckage against a granite rock face, 800 feet above Ella Lake.

"We are incredibly distressed by this situation, and our thoughts and prayers are with those on board the plane and their families," Holland America said.

The eight passengers were from the MS Westerdam, which left Seattle on Saturday for a seven-day round-trip cruise.

The plane had taken off on a tour of the 2-million-acre Misty Fjords National Monument, accessible only by floatplanes or boats.

"Towering granite cliffs, 1,000-foot waterfalls, lush and remote valleys and serene crystalline lakes make up this incredible landscape," the airline says on its website.

"There is nothing I can say that can alleviate the pain and overwhelming sense of loss that we and the loved ones of those affected are feeling," said Marcus Sessoms, Promech Air's president. "At this moment, all of us share the pain and anguish of this terrible event."

CNN's Pat St. Claire contributed to this report