Flying High or Moose Meat Mishap? The Alaskan Plane Crash That’s Got Everyone Talking!

A tragic plane crash in Alaska has raised eyebrows and questions about what really belongs on a flight. It seems that pilot Eugene Peltola took to the skies with over 500 pounds of moose meat and a pair of antlers strapped to the wing. When the plane went down in the mountains near St. Mary’s, it became clear that this wasn’t just an unfortunate accident; it was a heavy load of bad decisions. As the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board reported, Peltola was more than 100 pounds over the weight limit, with the antlers adding their own aerodynamic flair of complexity.

Clint Johnson, Alaska Region Chief for the NTSB, pinpointed three main culprits in this aviation disaster: the weight, the drag from those antlers, and some turbulent winds. You’ve got to wonder—what was going through his mind? Perhaps he thought the extra weight would get him a free ride on the moose meat express, or maybe he was just testing Alaska’s limits in a very literal sense. This incident highlights a somber aspect of flying—every ounce counts, especially when it comes to safety.

It’s not just the life lost that’s heart-wrenching; it’s also the background of Peltola as the husband of Mary Peltola, the first Alaska Native in Congress. A reminder that behind every statistic, there’s a personal story that resonates. With such immense passion for the great outdoors, it brings to light how easy it is to get carried away, or in this case, airborne… with too much baggage. So what’s the wildest thing you’ve ever flown with? Let’s hear your stories, but maybe leave out the antlers!

About the Author

View All Posts