An Australian tourist has died after two sightseeing seaplanes collided mid-air in Alaska. Alaska State Troopers confirmed yesterday that Mr Bodie, 56, from Tempe in Sydney's inner-west, was one of six people killed in the horror crash. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing consular assistance to his family. The collision occurred when a larger de Havilland Otter DHC-3, carrying 10 passengers and the pilot, was returning from Misty Fjord and collided with a smaller DHC-2 Beaver. Mr Bodie was believed to have taken the flight as part of a side trip from a cruise he was on along the Alaskan coast. "The Australian unfortunately is one of the people confirmed deceased," US Coast Guard Lieutenant Brian Dykens said. The nationalities of the people from both planes are 14 Americans, a Canadian and the Australian. The planes crashed into the icy cold waters off a southeast Alaska inlet near Ketchikan, a popular destination for cruise ships in Alaska. The Royal Princess was among four city-sized cruise ships in the tiny coastal community on the day. A popular activity is flightseeing in Misty Fjords National Monument to view lakes, snowcapped peaks and glacier valleys in the wilderness area. "We have been in regular contact with the family members throughout our search efforts," US Coast Guard Captain Stephen White said. "This is not the outcome we hoped for and extend our deepest sympathies during this very difficult time. The two floatplanes crashed following a midair collision over Coon Cove near the George Inlet area, about 8nm from Ketchikan, Alaska, USA. Both aircraft came to rest submerged. All of the five occupants of the DHC-2 and one passenger on the DHC-3T were killed. Both aircraft were inbound to Ketchikan on a converging course with the DHC-2 level at 3300 feet. The DHC-3T was descending from 3800 feet to between 3200 and 3300 feet at the time of the collision. Weather conditions in the area included high overcast skies with 9 mph southeast winds.
Aircraft No 1 Information
Airline: Mountain Air Service LLC
Code:
Aircraft: de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver Mk I
Registration: N952DB
Serial Number: 237
Age:
Aircraft No 2 Information
Airline: Taquan Air
Code: K3/TQN
Aircraft: de Havilland Canada DHC-3T Vazar Turbine Otter
Registration: N959PA
Serial Number: 159
Age: 63 Yrs Old
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND OF COURSE THE STAFF AND PASSENGERS OF ROYAL PRINCESS CRUISES
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