Bethel Search and Rescue says that the five bodies of the victims in last week's deadly midair plane collision were recovered over the weekend.
BSAR was asked by State Troopers to assist in clearing trails to the crash sites. They called in members from Marshall to assist the Troopers in their efforts. Joe Fitka of Marshall led the crew to cut a trail through a half mile of brush and tough terrain; he said that they were well equipped for the job.
“Pretty much the same crew we would have if we went out to an ESF fire. Three chainsaw guys, and two guys swamping for them, basically clearing brush, and three guys on the saws cutting the trail," said Fitka.
Fitka said that the crew was previously trained to respond to wildfires if needed. The five men went out Friday and were able to clear out the trails and helicopter landing zones before the day was over.
The recovered bodies will be sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Anchorage. Alaska State Troopers have identified the two aircraft and the five victims.
The Renfro's Alaskan Adventure Super Cub flying from Bethel to a hunting camp carried pilot Zach Justin Babat of Montana, 44, and passenger Jeff Thomas Burruss of Haines, 40.
The RAVN C208 Caravan flying from Russian Mission to Marshall carried pilot Harry Wrase of Wasilla, 48, and passengers Aaron Jay Minock of Russian Mission, 21, and Steven Paul Andrew of Kenai, 32.
The two planes hit the ground about a half-mile away from each other in an area of rough terrain and dense brush. Officers and investigators were on the scene of the crash sites over the weekend. The National Transportation Safety Board has sent an investigator since the crash, but has not yet released a preliminary report.