2 Men Survive Small Plane Crash near Ft. Abercrombie

Two men survived a small plane crash Saturday afternoon near Ft. Abercrombie on Kodiak, according to Alaska State Troopers.

AST received a report from the Kodiak Police Department about a possible plane crash around 2:24 p.m. near the Ft. Abercrombie State Park.

Kodiak pilot Tyler Polum, 26, was flying his 1947 Aeronca Chief, a single engine, two-seat plane, with a Jason Brooks, 44, a potential buyer from Palmer. The plane took off from Kodiak Municipal Airport earlier Saturday.

While conducting test flight operations over the Monashka Bay area, the aircraft engine began to sputter, in which Polum suspected carburetor icing," AST wrote in dispatch. "After applying carburetor heat which cleared the sputtering, Polum headed the aircraft back towards Kodiak.  The engine cleared, and he deactivated the carburetor heat, however, the engine began sputtering again and he lost power."

Troopers say Polum landed the plane in the ocean about 50 yards off shore in an area known as the Ft. Abercrombie Ram Site. The plane sank upside down after striking the water. Polum and Brooks exited the plane and swam to shore.

Medics treated Polum for minor injuries to his and wrists and Brooks reported no injuries.

The National Transportation Safety Board released the plane back to the owner after being contacted. The plane was estimated to be worth $25,000 and recovery efforts were underway Saturday afternoon.

Alaska Wildlife Troopers, a Village Public Safety Officer, a State Parks Ranger, Kodiak Fire Department EMS, Bayside Volunteer Fire Department EMS, along with troopers responded to the scene via AWT patrol boat and emergency vehicles.


Contact Neil Torquiano