A small airplane crashed into shallow waters near the remote coastal town of Seldovia, Alaska, on Wednesday, August 27th, 2026, killing all four people on board, officials reported.

The aircraft, a Piper PA-24-260, was en route to Seldovia's airport, located about 136 miles southwest of Anchorage, after taking off from Merrill Field Airport in Anchorage. The crash occurred at approximately 1:18 p.m., according to a statement from the Alaska Department of Public Safety.

"Alaska State Troopers were notified that a small plane had crashed in the Seldovia Slough," the department said. The plane was found completely submerged in about 15 feet of water near the shore.

A helicopter crew from Anchorage was dispatched to the crash site, and additional troopers arrived by boat from Anchor Point. Clint Johnson, the National Transportation Safety Board’s Alaska region chief, confirmed the plane's submersion in the Seldovia Slough.

The victims' names have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin, the Alaska Department of Public Safety said.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident.

Sources