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Four Dead After Small Plane Crashes into Seldovia Slough, Alaska

Four Dead After Small Plane Crashes into Seldovia Slough, Alaska

Four adults died after a small Piper PA-24 plane crashed into the Seldovia Slough in Alaska on Wednesday afternoon. Alaska State Troopers were notified of the crash at 1:18 p.m. The aircraft, which was en route to Seldovia from Merrill Field Airport in Anchorage, sank completely in the water. Rescue efforts involved a helicopter crew from Anchorage and troopers arriving by boat from Anchor Point. The bodies of the four deceased adults were recovered from inside the plane around 6:30 p.m. after the tide level receded. The pilot has been identified as 68-year-old Eric Middlebrook of Alaska. The other three victims were identified as Ronald Schmidt, 65, Lance Schmidt, 20, and Daniel Simons, 82, all from California. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined. Seldovia City Manager Heidi Geagel confirmed the incident occurred near the airport.
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Four Adults Die in Small Plane Crash in Seldovia Slough, Alaska

Four Adults Die in Small Plane Crash in Seldovia Slough, Alaska

Four adults died after a small Piper PA-24 plane crashed into Seldovia Slough in Alaska on Wednesday afternoon. Alaska State Troopers were notified of the incident at 1:18 p.m. and dispatched a helicopter crew from Anchorage and troopers by boat from Anchor Point to the scene. The aircraft, which was en route to Seldovia from Merrill Field Airport in Anchorage, sank completely in the water. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined. Troopers recovered the bodies of the four deceased adults from inside the plane at approximately 6:30 p.m., once the tide level had dropped. The pilot was identified as 68-year-old Eric Middlebrook of Alaska. The other three victims were identified as Ronald Schmidt, 65, Lance Schmidt, 20, and Daniel Simons, 82, all from California. The bodies are being sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy. Seldovia City Manager Heidi Geagel confirmed the plane went down near the airport in Seldovia Slough.
Westchester County Journal News Westchester County Journal News
2 dead after plane crashes in New York. What we know now

2 dead after plane crashes in New York. What we know now

David Kornreich, 52, and Andrew Harrell, 31, died after a 1977 Lake model LA-4-200 crashed in a New York town.
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
2 killed in small plane crash in upstate New York; FAA, NTSB investigating

2 killed in small plane crash in upstate New York; FAA, NTSB investigating

Two men died after their small plane crashed in the Finger Lakes region following reports of a mechanical issue.
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Waterspouts Pose Significant Hazard to Low-Flying Aircraft Over U.S. Coastal Waters

Waterspouts Pose Significant Hazard to Low-Flying Aircraft Over U.S. Coastal Waters

Waterspouts, which are funnel clouds forming over water, are similar in structure to tornadoes but are generally less intense and smaller. They typically last less than 30 minutes and are about 10 meters in diameter and 100 meters deep. These phenomena are produced along surface airmass convergence boundaries and are not usually associated with a mid-level rotation within the parent cumulus or cumulonimbus cloud. While surface spray may indicate their presence, a waterspout may not be fully visible until wind speeds in its vortex reach approximately 35 knots. Once fully developed, they appear as distinctive funnels filled with water droplets. Waterspouts represent a considerable danger to low-flying aircraft, particularly helicopters operating over the sea, due to their potential for severe turbulence and difficulty in detection unless completely formed. They are also rarely stable vertical features, necessitating a wide berth for any nearby aircraft.
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Low-Altitude Passenger Jet Flyby Over South African Stadium Sparks Safety Debate

Low-Altitude Passenger Jet Flyby Over South African Stadium Sparks Safety Debate

Low-Altitude Passenger Jet Flyby Over South African Stadium Sparks Safety Debate
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Peace Valley Park in Pennsylvania Offers Scenic Lake, Nature Center, and Outdoor Activities

Peace Valley Park in Pennsylvania Offers Scenic Lake, Nature Center, and Outdoor Activities

Peace Valley Park, a 1,500-acre scenic park located about an hour's drive from both Philadelphia and Allentown, offers a variety of outdoor activities and natural attractions. At its heart is Lake Galena, a flood-control reservoir constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1970s. The park features extensive bikeways and walkways, a nature center, fishing opportunities, and abundant wildlife. Historically, the area was home to a lead-mining community called Levin, with the lake's name, Galena, derived from the lead ore. The park is described as an 'Eden' due to its blend of nature, essential amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, and educational opportunities. Nearby attractions include the Peace Valley Lavender Farm, which blossoms in June and July, and the charming suburb of Glenside.
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SC Ports and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Initiate Feasibility Study to Deepen North Charleston Terminal Channel

SC Ports and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Initiate Feasibility Study to Deepen North Charleston Terminal Channel

SC Ports and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Initiate Feasibility Study to Deepen North Charleston Terminal Channel
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Airlink Passenger Jets Perform Controversial Low Flyby Over South African Stadium, Sparking Safety Debate

Airlink Passenger Jets Perform Controversial Low Flyby Over South African Stadium, Sparking Safety Debate

Airlink Passenger Jets Perform Controversial Low Flyby Over South African Stadium, Sparking Safety Debate
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Army Corps Seeks Public Input on Miami-Dade Storm Surge Plan

Army Corps Seeks Public Input on Miami-Dade Storm Surge Plan

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), in collaboration with Miami-Dade County, has released the Phase II Draft Report of the Miami-Dade Back Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study. This $11.2 million federally funded initiative aims to identify solutions to mitigate coastal storm surge risks, enhance infrastructure resilience, and prioritize public health and safety. The study builds on Phase I efforts completed in 2024 and seeks to reduce damages to buildings in vulnerable communities. Public comments are being accepted through September 18, 2026, via email, mail, or at scheduled public meetings. The study team will use feedback to finalize the report, which is expected to be submitted for Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) authorization in 2028.
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Governor Dunleavy Announces Over $410 Million in Federal Funding for Alaska Marine Highway System

Governor Dunleavy Announces Over $410 Million in Federal Funding for Alaska Marine Highway System

Governor Mike Dunleavy has announced that the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) will receive more than $410 million in U.S. government funding. This significant investment is aimed at supporting crucial resources for rural Southeast Alaska. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities successfully submitted six applications for this funding. Governor Dunleavy highlighted that these resources will build upon past successes and ensure reliable ferry service for decades. He extended gratitude to the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities staff, the Congressional delegation, and President Trump's administration for recognizing the value of investing in Alaska. The funding includes $161.2 million for operational support across over 20 communities, covering vessel operations, fuel, and maintenance. A substantial $153.4 million is allocated for the design and construction of a replacement for the MV LeConte ferry, which was built in 1974 and serves multiple communities including Jun...
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Klyuchevskaya Volcano in Kamchatka Spews Ash 7 km High, Posing Aviation Risk

Klyuchevskaya Volcano in Kamchatka Spews Ash 7 km High, Posing Aviation Risk

The Klyuchevskaya volcano in Kamchatka, Russia, recently erupted, releasing an ash plume that reached an altitude of 7 kilometers (approximately 4.3 miles) above sea level. This event occurred on August 30, as reported by the press service of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia in the Kamchatka Territory, citing data from the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Group (KVERT). The ash plume subsequently drifted east-northeast, heading towards the Bering Sea. The volcano, which stands at 4,750 meters (about 2.95 miles) high, has been under observation for ongoing activity. Earlier on August 18, KVERT had noted a collapse of a fragment from the Klyuchevskaya volcano's crater wall, leading to prolonged pyroclastic flows and a moderate eruption with a vapor-gas mixture containing low ash content.