Bay Area father killed in plane crash in Alaska mountains;…

Aircraft Alaska Alaska in Alaska, Alaska: Michael "Mike" Grimes, a pilot, died on June 25, 2026, when his Piper PA-20 (Piper Pacer) aircraft crashed in the mountains about 40 miles southeast of Cordova, Alaska, near Kanak Island. The plane had flown from Juneau, stopped in Yakutat for fuel, and was en route to either Anchorage or Fairbanks when it failed to reach its next fuel stop at Cordova. Alaska State Troopers reported the aircraft overdue Thursday night, and a helicopter crew with the Alaska Air National Guard located the wreckage the following day, finding the pilot dead inside. The NTSB is investigating the crash, with weather, logistical delays, and bear activity slowing the response.