ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A floatplane carrying fishing guides and clients crashed Tuesday near a scenic lake in rural southwest Alaska, killing three of the out-of-state clients and injuring all seven other people on board, some critically, authorities said. The plane was taking off to head to a remote fishing spot in ariver when it went down outside the tiny town of Iliamna, 175 miles southwest of Anchorage, National Transportation Safety Board Alaska Chief Clint Johnson said. The aircraft —a De Havilland DHC-3 Turbine Otter on floats — belonged to an Iliamna fishing lodge. It ended up in some trees near Eastwind Lake, a mile north of town. Alaska State Troopers identified the dead as Tony W. Degroot, 80, of Hanford, Calif.; James P. Fletcher, 70, of Clovis, Calif.; and James Specter, 69, of Shavertown, Pa. Their bodies were recovered and were being sent for an autopsy by the state Medical Examiner’s Office, troopers said. The three were staying as clients at the Rainbow King Lodge, which owned the plane, Johnson said. Calls to the business went unanswered. The Alaska Air National Guard flew five of the more seriously injured survivors to Anchorage. The five were first flown to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, then transported by ambulance to hospitals, Guard Staff Sgt. Edward Eagerton said. Some of the seven injured were critically hurt, while two suffered minor injuries, Johnson said. Their names were not released. Johnson added that it was “way too early for any speculation” on what caused the crash. Two NTSB investigators were heading to Iliamna on Tuesday, with one arriving mid-afternoon, he said.
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Maury Klein
As many of you may know, a reunion of the 1963 Football Team was held last weekend [on 9/11 vs Bishop McDevitt] in memory of Harry Rosen, Jim Spector's best friend and, often, fishing companion. Here's to their everlasting time back together.
Louise Bodamer (Horna)
So sad to hear of Jim's death. I offer an Amen to Maury's comment. Louise Bodamer Horna
Stewart "Stu "Weitz
So deeply sorry to hear about this horrible tragedy... Had the privilege of knowing
Jimmy since Wyncote Elementary... Many years ago his brother Johnny had passed
in a tragic way... This family has had to absorb too much pain... So unfair...
May we remember all the special memories about Jimmy Specter. " Class of '64. "
He was a sponsor at our great "50th " reunion exactly one year ago on 9/13/14...
Our deepest condolences to all his family and friends.
Warmly,
Stu Weitz
Richard Stamm
I grew up with Jimmy on Randall Road. His brother, my brother, Jimmy and I spent many hours entertaining ourselves as kids. We would play in each other's homes and outside for many delightful hours. This friendship continued through high school until we lost close touch after graduation. It was always good to reconnect at our various reunions as we reassembled the 1963/1964 Wrestling Team for our group photo. The team is smaller now, but Jimmy will be remembered.