Overweight plane crash kills husband of ex-Alaska Rep Mary Peltola

In 2023, a small plane crash in western Alaska resulted in the death of Eugene Peltola Jr., the husband of former U.S. Representative Mary Peltola. The crash occurred on September 12 while Peltola was transporting moose meat for hunters from the airstrip at St. Mary's. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that the aircraft was overweight for takeoff and encountered drag from a set of moose antlers mounted on the wing strut, contributing to the loss of control. Peltola was the only person on board and ultimately succumbed to his injuries, which occurred approximately two hours after the incident, with medical help not being available due to the site’s remote location. Prior to the accident, Peltola had completed multiple flights carrying a group of five hunters, their guide, and equipment to a camping site near the airstrip. The NTSB report indicated that Peltola did not weigh the cargo before takeoff, which likely contributed to the airplane being above its maximum weight limit. In their findings, federal investigators noted that the drag from the antlers, combined with turbulent conditions and an overweight plane, significantly affected the aircraft's power and maneuverability, making it challenging for Peltola to navigate effectively. The crash site was about 400 miles away from the nearest hospital, complicating any immediate rescue efforts. Currently, the practice of carrying antlers externally on aircraft in Alaska requires formal approval from the Federal Aviation Administration, a condition that was reportedly not met in this case for the Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub that Peltola was operating. Eugene Peltola Jr. had a commercial pilot's license since 2004 and was familiar with Alaska's flying conditions. The crash sparked further discussions regarding safety protocols in the region, especially concerning the transportation of heavy cargo in challenging weather conditions. Mary Peltola, who had recently risen to a prominent public position as Alaska’s first Native American elected to the U.S. Congress, faced this tragic loss just a year after taking office. After her husband’s passing, she has maintained a lower public profile, reflecting the personal toll of this incident amid her political career.