Plane makes emergency landing in Brooks Range; NTSB investigating engine issue

Published
June 24, 2026
Outcome
Injured
Location
Coldfoot, Alaska
Brooks Range, about 20 miles north-northwest of Coldfoot near Wiseman
Incident type
Aircraft

Summary

Aircraft Coldfoot Alaska in Coldfoot, Alaska: A Wright Air Service Cessna Caravan carrying nine passengers made a hard emergency landing in the Brooks Range on Monday shortly after taking off from Coldfoot, Alaska, when the engine began surging and making an unusual noise about five to 10 minutes after departure. The pilot attempted to return to Coldfoot but the aircraft could not maintain altitude, and the pilot selected an off-airport landing site on flat terrain about 20 miles north-northwest of Coldfoot near Wiseman. The pilot suffered a minor injury (a split lip), while the passengers were not hurt. The NTSB is investigating the engine issue, and the aircraft sustained damage in the forced landing.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Wright Air Service At-fault party

Original reporting

Plane makes emergency landing in Brooks Range; NTSB investigating engine issue

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