Aircraft Collision in Olympic National Park Leaves One Fatality, Two Wounded Individuals
In a tragic incident on Tuesday, a small float plane crashed in the Quinault region of Olympic National Park, Washington. The plane involved was a Murphy SR3500 Moose, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently conducting a review to determine the cause of the accident.
Park rangers responded swiftly to the incident, working alongside Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Search and Rescue. The three occupants were transferred to a nearby trauma center, where one of them was later pronounced deceased. Due to their hospitalization, the identities of the two survivors are not being released at this time.
Sadly, incidents involving small personal aircraft have occurred in other national parks in the past. For example, a small float plane crash-landed in Alaska's Katmai National Park on July 7, 2025, and all four occupants survived with minor injuries.
While specific causes for recent small plane crashes in national parks may not be immediately available, general common causes include weather conditions, mechanical failure, pilot error, and terrain and navigation challenges. Weather conditions such as turbulence or low visibility can lead to loss of control or navigation errors. Mechanical failures can occur due to maintenance issues or design flaws. Pilot errors, such as navigation errors, failure to follow safety protocols, or lack of experience with the terrain, can be critical. The rugged and remote nature of national parks can make navigation challenging, increasing the risk of accidents.
The crash in Olympic National Park happened on a steep, forested slope near the Irely Lake Trailhead. This incident underscores the challenges of flying over diverse landscapes and the importance of thorough investigations to determine specific causes.
Incidents like this serve as a reminder of the risks associated with flying in national parks and the need for careful planning, adherence to safety protocols, and ongoing maintenance of aircraft. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected by this tragedy.
[1] National Park Service. (n.d.). Aviation Accidents in National Parks. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/subjects/aviation/accidents.htm [2] National Park Service. (n.d.). Aviation Accidents in National Parks - Case Studies. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/subjects/aviation/accidents-case-studies.htm [3] National Transportation Safety Board. (n.d.). Olympic National Park Plane Crash Investigation. Retrieved from https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Pages/NTC20FA351.aspx
This unfortunate incident is a reminder of the general news surrounding car-accidents, as it serves as an unfortunate example of the risks associated with using personal vehicles, even in the air. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting a review into the cause of the plane accident in Olympic National Park, similar to how they investigate sports-related injuries or accidents.
