https://mustreadalaska.com/plane-crash-cub-involved-was-registered-to-rep-gary-knopp/Kenai lawmaker among those killed in midair collision over Kenai Peninsula
Aviation
Kenai lawmaker among those killed in midair collision over Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula
pencil Author: Zaz Hollander, James Brooks clock Updated: 2 minutes ago calendar Published 1 hour ago
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An Alaska legislator is among the dead after two aircraft collided in midair Friday morning near Soldotna’s airport on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, authorities say.
A single-engine de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver and a twin-engine Piper Aztec were involved in the crash approximately two miles northeast of the airport at 8:30 a.m., according to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration.
The death of Rep. Gary Knopp, a Republican, was confirmed by several of his legislative colleagues.
Rep. Gary Knopp, R-Kenai, speaks at breakfast event hosted by the Kenai and Soldotna chambers of commerce on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019 in Kenai. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/For the Alaska Journal of Commerce)
Rep. Gary Knopp, R-Kenai, speaks at breakfast event hosted by the Kenai and Soldotna chambers of commerce on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019 in Kenai. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/For the Alaska Journal of Commerce)
Knopp’s wife, Helen, said he had been flying his own plane Friday morning.
Reached by phone after the crash but before Knopp’s death had been confirmed, she said she was waiting to hear that he was safe.
”I’m as anxious as anybody else waiting for him to touch down,” she said. She did not answer her phone after word of Knopp’s death was announced.
Born in Whitefish, Montana, Knopp was a certified flight instructor and registered pilot. He was elected to the Alaska Legislature in 2016 after serving on the Kenai Borough Assembly. He was a candidate in this year’s Republican primary for House District 30, and his name will remain on the ballot.
The number of people on board the two aircraft was not immediately available.
Investigators from FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.
The wreckage fell near the Sterling Highway, according to NTSB Alaska chief Clint Johnson. The highway was briefly closed before reopening by 10 a.m., according to the Alaska State Troopers.
There was no additional information immediately available.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
