Two Aboard Douglas DC-4 Plane That Crashed into Alaska's Tanana River

A Douglas DC-4 airplane crashed into the Tanana River near Fairbanks, Alaska on Tuesday, according to the Alaska State Troopers. Two people were onboard the aircraft, the troopers said.

The crash occurred a few miles from Fairbanks International Airport. Alaska State Troopers and first responders from other agencies are responding to the scene, the Alaska Department of Public Safety reported.

The DC-4 aircraft, which typically had a standard passenger seating capacity of 44 during its heyday in the 1940s, has mostly been converted to freighters. It is not immediately known if the plane involved in Tuesday's crash was a passenger or cargo aircraft.

Troopers have advised people to avoid the area of the crash. "Please be aware and avoid the area of the Tanana River near Pike's Landing where a Douglas DC-4 aircraft has crashed," the troopers said in an online dispatch. "Local, state and federal agencies are responding."

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration were contacted about the incident but did not immediately respond to inquiries.

Why this matters: The crash of a large, vintage aircraft like the DC-4 is a significant aviation incident. The response and investigation will likely involve multiple agencies at the local, state and federal levels.

Few additional details were immediately available, as the crash response and investigation are in the early stages. The Alaska State Troopers said more information would be released as it becomes available. "This is a developing situation," said Austin McDaniel, a spokesperson for the troopers. "We will provide updates as we learn more about the circumstances of the crash and the condition of those on board."

Key Takeaways

• Douglas DC-4 plane crashed into Tanana River near Fairbanks, Alaska.
• Two people were onboard the aircraft, according to Alaska State Troopers.
• Crash occurred a few miles from Fairbanks International Airport.
• Agencies responding, NTSB and FAA notified but no immediate response.
• Crash of a large, vintage aircraft is a significant aviation incident.