The families and communities of Cabot Pitts, 42, of Palmer, Alaska, and Connor Helsel, 18, of Michigan, are mourning after the two died in a plane crash in the remote Wrangell Mountains of Alaska.
According to Alaska State Troopers, the pair were aboard a Piper Cub that crashed shortly after taking off from a dirt airstrip near Snag Creek in the Nabesna area on the evening of September 17, 2026. Troopers received the crash report at about 7:51 p.m. and confirmed that both occupants died.
Two Victims Identified After Alaska Crash
Pitts, 42, was identified as the pilot, while Helsel, 18, was the passenger.
The crash happened in a remote area of the Wrangell Mountains, where the difficult terrain added to the challenges surrounding the response and investigation.
Alaska’s News Source reported that investigators were focusing on the area around Snag Creek, approximately 50 miles southeast of Nabesna.
What Happened Near Snag Creek?
The Piper Cub went down shortly after departing from the dirt airstrip.
The exact circumstances leading to the crash have not been publicly established. Authorities have not released a confirmed explanation for why the aircraft went down.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified and is investigating the crash.
Investigation Into the Plane Crash
Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, the surrounding crash site and other available evidence as they work to determine what happened.
At this stage, the cause of the crash remains under investigation. No specific mechanical problem, weather condition or other factor has been identified in the available reports.
The investigation could provide additional information about the moments leading up to the crash.
Families Mourn Cabot Pitts and Connor Helsel
The deaths of Pitts and Helsel have left two families grieving across Alaska and Michigan.
Pitts was 42 and lived in Palmer, while Helsel was 18 and from Michigan. Their lives were cut short in an accident that occurred in a remote part of Alaska.
For those who knew them, the ongoing investigation cannot lessen the personal loss caused by their deaths.
Funeral Arrangements for Pitts and Helsel
Funeral and memorial arrangements
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