Frozen Alaska RESCUE—Pilot and Two Girls SURVIVE 12 Hours on Submerged Plane Wing!
They clung to life in bone-chilling cold—three souls stranded on an icy Alaska lake, saved against all odds. 🌐 #News #KenaiAK #Alaska #Rescue
KENAI, AK — In a breathtaking show of resilience, a 38-year-old man and two young girls from his immediate family defied death after their plane went down in the icy waters of Tustumena Lake in the remote Alaska wilderness. For 12 harrowing hours, the trio balanced atop the wing of their partially submerged aircraft, holding on through the frigid Alaskan night.
Found on the Brink
The survivors had been aboard a Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser for a sightseeing trip along the Kenai Peninsula when disaster struck. Their ordeal might have ended in tragedy if not for the sharp eyes and swift action of volunteer search pilot Terry Godes. Initially mistaking the wreckage for a fatal crash site, Godes descended for a closer look—only to spot three figures waving from the aircraft’s wing.
Despite cloud cover obscuring much of the mountainous terrain, the discovery was quickly relayed to other searchers. Fellow aviator Dale Eicher made contact with the Alaska State Troopers, setting in motion a life-saving response.
Airborne Heroes Answer the Call
An Alaska Army National Guard helicopter, piloted by the 207th Aviation Regiment, was dispatched to the scene. The rescue crew found the two girls relatively dry and alert, but the pilot showed signs of hypothermia. Remarkably, none of the three sustained life-threatening injuries.
Military officials confirmed that the plane’s tail had refrozen into the surrounding lake ice—an unlikely twist that kept the aircraft afloat long enough for help to arrive.
A Day of Contrast in Alaska Skies
The miraculous rescue comes in stark contrast to a separate, heartbreaking aviation incident in the Norton Sound, where a commuter plane crashed into sea ice, killing all 10 onboard. But for one family in Kenai, the outcome was dramatically different—marked by survival, faith, and fierce determination.
Did You Know?
- In Alaska, the Army National Guard responds to over 150 search and rescue missions each year, many involving remote terrain and extreme weather conditions (Alaska National Guard).
- Hypothermia can set in within minutes when exposed to icy water, making survival for 12 hours extraordinarily rare without protective gear (CDC).
- General aviation accidents in Alaska occur at a higher rate than the rest of the U.S., often due to the state’s rugged geography and unpredictable climate (FAA Safety Briefing).
Moment for Reflection
Sometimes, the coldest nights bring the clearest revelations. In the silence of a frozen lake, a family’s quiet courage met with heaven-sent help from above. It’s a story that reminds us that even in the most desperate situations, hope can hold steady. And when hearts are strong and prayers are lifted, miracles can land when least expected.
Do you have an uplifting story or fascinating news tip? Email us! news@jackandkitty.com.
RELATED TOPICS: Accidents and Rescues | Alaska
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