Sean Killeen, a 38-year-old software engineer from Dublin, recently survived a devastating plane crash in Alaska. Killeen was travelling on a de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver plane along with his retired father-in-law, Joe Beardmore, 67, and four other passengers. The seaplane lost power shortly after departure from a lake in an untamed area on June 10, leading to the disaster.
Mr. Killeen arrived to Ireland on Monday. He recounted the terrifying moments leading to the crash, in which he was convinced he was facing his end. His fear included both the imminent crash into the mountainous region and the possibility of an explosion on impact.
Killeen and Beardmore’s journey was part of their dream vacation for fishing enthusiasts, concluded by a day of Arctic grayling fishing in Kijik Lake, within Lake Clark National Park, approximately 160km South-west of Anchorage. They had a practically perfect day filled with successful catches after flying in from Soldotna city lodge earlier that day.
Their departure from the lake was encapsulated by towering mountains on three sides, creating a naturally formed amphitheatre. Killeen remembers the plane aimlessly circulating the lake surface a few times before it attempted to rise over the mountain ridge. He describes realizing they weren’t high enough for such a manoeuvre and having a terrible premonition of a crash when he saw trees near the plane’s wing.
When asked about his experience, Mr. Killeen admitted he feared death was imminent and recollected that often such accidents result in fatalities. He recounted how he dissociated from the situation as the plane crashed, knocking down a few trees before collapsing onto its right wing, ultimately lying flat.
He disclosed the frightening moments of fuel creeping into the cabin with him, a pilot, a guide, Mr. Beardmore and two other individuals stuck inside the wreckage. They managed to escape and ascend about 30 metres up a mountainside. Mr. Beardmore, in shock, blacked out and threw up, while the pilot was severely injured, blood smeared across his face.
A transponder onboard the plane conveyed their location to the authorities but the survivors had to reach a clearing for pickup. Their journey involved a treacherous 3½ hour climb amongst wildlife such as wolves, bears and moose. After about six hours post-crash, the Alaska Air National Guard’s helicopter located and rescued them.
Following his ordeal, Mr. Beardmore required medical attention and was dispatched from an Anchorage hospital the next day. Not deterred, the menacing pair continued their holiday, choosing rental car travel for their fishing adventures.
Both Mr. Killeen and Mr. Beardmore express disappointment in not being contacted by the flight operators, Talon Air Service, to inquire about their wellbeing after the tragedy. This firm, which provides a range of services including sightseeing flights, bear viewing, fishing and hunting trips, was sought for comment.
The unfortunate incident is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Clint Johnson, the operation chief of the Alaska branch of NTSB, mentions that the float-equipped de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver had an engine failure, resulting in the plane’s crash landing in a forested area.
This disastrous crash site, situated in an extremely remote location, was accessed and the wreckage was airlifted to Anchorage. Within the upcoming week, a comprehensive examination of the plane’s engine will be conducted by Mark Ward, NTSB’s leading investigator for this case, Mr. Johnson added. The NTSB also plans to release a preliminary incident report the following week.