Box 7432 Ketchikan, AK 99901 | Toll Free (888) 854-2444 | Email : Michelle@IslandWings.com Island Wings Air Service 1993 I have flown with her multiple times. Michelle is an extremely professional and competent pilot and very knowledgeable of the entire area. This company has been one of the most recommended on the Alaska boards for the five years I have been participating on them. I'm going to get a few facts out of the way first: Island Wings Air Service (Ketchikan) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Hotels near Totem Bight State Historical Park, Hotels near Misty Fjords National Monument, Hotels near Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, Hotels near Metlakatla Seaplane Base (MTM), Motels near Metlakatla Seaplane Base (MTM), Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks in Ketchikan, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Ketchikan, Public Transportation Systems in Ketchikan, Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary: Tickets & Tours, Misty Fjords National Monument: Tickets & Tours, Totem Bight State Historical Park: Tickets & Tours, Tongass National Forest: Tickets & Tours, Ketchikan Rainbird Trail: Tickets & Tours, Tongass Historical Museum: Tickets & Tours, Chief Johnson Totem Pole: Tickets & Tours, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, Guided Hatyai (Thailand) Day Tour from Penang (Malaysia), City Sightseeing Verona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience, Rappelling Adventure in Joshua Tree National Park (4 Hours), Kandy to Ella train ride on (Train No: 1015 "Udarata Menike"), Niagara Falls One Day Tour from New York City, Las Vegas Strip Highlights Helicopter Night Flight. Several took the lives of the pilots and another couple had passenger fatalities or injuries. Which Alaska Canopy Adventures zipline tour is best? . Promech's vans were missing from the parking lot next to the Westerdam's berth Thursday, and the company's floatplane dock was quiet. I would like to know the cost per adult? One big question is whether the planes had the ability not just to broadcast ADS-B signals, but also to receive them and detect other aircraft. Flightseeing and Air Tours conducted in the Tongass National Forest and Misty Fjords National Monument are operated under permits issued by USDA Forest Service and the State of Alaska. Michelle, Wed. June 3, 2015 port call - how many ships are in port and what are the chances of a reasonably clear flight - cancellation policy if "clouded in" All rights reserved. Ketchikan is a popular cruise ship destination, and passengerscan take various sightseeing excursions while in port. Alaskan Bear by Floatplane or Neets Bay Bear Watch? 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 2 float planes crash in the water in Ketchikan, Two floatplanes crash near Ketchikan, Alaska; 6 people missing, Coast Guard says, ANNOUNCEMENT: Sea the World a Little Differently ~Sponsored by My Cruises. From the handling of your reservation, to the equipment we operate, to the places we visit; we don't compromise and neither should you. A similar2015 crash of a Promech flightseeing floatplane near Ketchikankilled all nine people aboard. If you find any that you like you can use them on your website. Visiting Ketchikan on a cruise: What to do? I just noticed it was a Beaver model, I'm so freaking out. I really can't add much to the other positive reviews, but I can encourage you to book this excursion when you are in Ketchikan. Most days in the summer are flyable days. The reason we booked with her was because of her safety record. It would be for 1st week of August. They serve it on board Holland America. To answer your question the plane can handle your group of six very comfortably. how much is cost?? Perry and the Noordam tourists swapped places with those of the Westerdam. When we arrived at the dock she was going through her pre-flight inspections and she was obviously very serious about them. Could not find much more info on what exactly happened. Don't pay too much for an inferior experience with the cruise line. I didn't like Sitka as much as Juneau and Ketchikan. Box 7432 Ketchikan, AK 99901 | Toll Free (888) 854-2444 . The plane, a single-engine DeHavilland DHC-2 Beaver, took off from Misty Fjords National Monument and crashed around 11:20 a.m. in an area of steep, mountainous terrain near Ketchikan, about 300 miles southeast of Juneau, officials with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) told the Anchora. Visiting Ketchikan on a cruise: What to do? Crash of Alaska Airline in Ketchikan on April 5, 1976 Photograph courtesy Ketchikan Museums Eventually, federal government investigators would determine that the pilot made several errors that caused the accident. 31 reviews of Island Wings Air Service "We were looking for an alternative to the pricey floatplane tours offered by our Alaskan cruise line, and decided to give Island Wings a try, which was significantly cheaper. They said Holland America reps told them Island Wings had overbooked the trip. Island Wings Air Service is owned and operated by Michelle Masden who founded the company in 1993. I'm so glad we booked with her instead of through the cruise ship. Posted May 14, 2019. No matter which company, prayers to the families of the pilots and passengers. In any area, but especially Alaska, the general aviation community is very tight knit. I got their info from Frommer's 2005 Alaska Guidebook. Ill describe the good portion first so that you can stop reading if you dont want to hear about the air portion. The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report on the Taquan crash early next week. Michelle, the owner, does a major portion of her business with (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Sorry my title was wrong - it was early on when I posted it. Frommer was right when he highlighted your trip in his book the coolest flights. Island Wings as well as Carlin Air, Southeast Aviation, and a few other long time local providers have not historically been booked thru the cruiselines. Michelle, Enclosed is a disk with some of the pictures we took of the bears at Traitors Cove. Michelle even sent me a Christmas card this year. I can assure you that if we know anyone going to Alaska, if in the neighborhood they should contact you for a flightseeing tour par excellence. The Southeast Aviation pilot was identified as 64-year-old Rolf Lanzendorfer of Cle Elum, Washington. Six people were killed in a flightseeing plane crash near Ketchikan Thursday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Hi Michelle I just want to write you to extend my thanks for a great flight this past June. My folks truly had a great trip and appreciated everything you and your staff did to make this a moment we wont soon forget. But with weather reported to be partly sunny with 10 miles of visibility, Mondays crash appeared to be different. I believe that is true. The plane leftfrom Misty Fjordsand was on its way to Ketchikan. Visiting Ketchikan on a cruise: What to do? According to reports on Princess's board from someone on the Royal Princess, one plane is a Princess excursion and the other plane had someone from the Royal Princess on it. "Our hearts are shattered at the loss of six people today," Southeast Aviation LLC said in a statement shared by spokesperson Bri Kelly. A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew and Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad personnel tend to survivors from a downed aircraft on Mount Jumbo on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska, July 10, 2018. Investigators described that crash as a "controlled flight into terrain" and said the pilot was flying in marginal weather conditions under visual flight rules when the plane slammed into the side of a mountain. July 10, 2018 / 6:35 PM The plane with the five dead are from the same type plane she flies (DeHavailland Beaver) but I imagine there are many of those flying around Ketchikan. In the past, investigators have blamed Ketchikan-area crashes on marginal weather, and in one case, on the schedule pressure and safety culture of a tour company. 732 were here. I know.. we are scouring the news too. A Coast Guard rescue helicopter battled deteriorating weather conditions and limited visibility. Call Us Locally: 907-225-1206 Reserve Online. Hudgins is a retired U.S. Navy pilot who also flew for Hawaiian Airlines and JapanAirlines before joining Taquan five or six years ago, according to his son, Zack Hudgins, who lives in Seattle. He said it was the highlight of the entire trip to Alaska and he couldn't believe how comfortable he was on the plane. Two Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crews rescued 11 people after a floatplane crashed Tuesday south-southwest of Ketchikan, on Prince of Wales Island. We are booked with Island Wings and Michelle in 2 weeks. What the healthcare overhaul at VA means for Alaska vets, Alaska News Nightly: Wednesday, May 15, 2019, Anchorage Assembly lukewarm on proposal to sanction camps for homeless population this summer, Hilcorp fined again for deviating from permit at Milne Point, Grubbys son captured as Homer faces growing opossum problem. May the Force be with you! Hudginswas described by his son as a seasoned aviator who enjoys flying visitors around Ketchikan. By Nathaniel Herz, Alaska's Energy Desk - Anchorage - May 15,. She covers breaking news, the Mat-Su region, aviation and general assignments. A U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew hoists 11 people from the crash site of a downed float plane on Mount Jumbo, on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska, July 10, 2018. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Thank goodness the staff on the ships asked the people who might have a worried family to call home! We are taking a cruise on June 10th. Island Wings Air Service Island Wings Air Service 773 Reviews #18 of 132 Outdoor Activities in Ketchikan Outdoor Activities, Tours, More 1245 Tongass Ave, Ketchikan, AK 99901-6135 Save Misty Fjords Seaplane Tour 123 Book in advance from $389.00 per adult Check availability View full product details suathong Singapore, Singapore 120 158 Other visitors loaded into vans to Ketchikan's floatplane docks for their waiting Beavers, Otters and Cessnas -- billed in the brochures as authentic Alaska Bush planes. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. During cruise ship season, the skies over Ketchikan buzz with float planes taking cruise ship passengers on flightseeing tours. My spouse and I had an awesome time. Island Wings, in my opinion, is one of the very best outfits doing this kind of touring. The Ketchikan Visitors Bureau is a wood sided building centrally located in front of Berth 2 on the cruise ship dock. It was in the mid-50's. Thank you. Someone posted on a roll call that Michellesplane was not involved and that she is safe. We talked to Southeast Aviation about our tour and the change. Everyone I know or have talked to regarding Island Wings has had nothing but good things to say. Her plane landed on the water in Misty Fjords in Rudyerd Bay. Sometimes these small companies are sold, keeping the name of the business while the people involved (owners, mechanics, pilots) change. He was unharmed after an emergency landing at Lake Hood in Anchorage, on a single wheel. After last week's crash, Holland America Line indefinitely halted all business with Promech. Classic Tours of Ketchikan, Alaska offers a unique ground tour in a meticulously restored classic '55 Chevy: Lois Munch takes you where eagles soar and fjords flow.photograph totem poles, visit an Indian village and meet local Alaska Native totem carvers while they work, spot eaglets and their parents in bald eagle's nests, marvel at the leaping schools of salmon as they navigate upstream . The line removed the "Misty Fjords Cruise and Floatplane Adventure" from its online list of shore excursions and handed out refunds, Sally Andrews, Holland's vice president of public relations for Holland America Line, said in an email. Advice planning cruise stop with active kids, Cruise Stop - best place to purchase souvenirs, Celebrity Cruise Dock to Holy Name Church, Beware Ketchikan Floatplane with Island Wings. It would be an amazing experience but after living in Alaska and taking a couple bush planes out of necessity I don't think I'd ever trust an excursion in one. It happened about 40 miles southwest of Ketchikan, and rescue operations are under way. It was a highlight experience on our Alaska cruise. Prior to leaving, I booked a float (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? All 11 people aboard the aircraft survived and were hoisted by a Jayhawk helicopter aircrew and taken to emergency medical personnel for triage before being further taken to Ketchikan for higher level medical care. Biden signs debt ceiling bill that pulls U.S. back from brink of default, Nearly 300 killed in one of India's deadliest train accidents, Political clashes in Senegal leaves 15 dead, Lifeguard shortage may force half of public pools to close or limit hours, 3 Israeli soldiers killed in gun battle at Egyptian border, Son of former Red Sox star George Scott accused of killing 8-year-old son, Trump lawyers told DOJ they couldn't find classified doc discussed in audio, Art museum in Chicago gives veterans a place to heal, Plane carrying 11 people crashes in Alaska, Tropical depression could threaten Florida, New details in South Carolina teen's shooting, 76-year-old celebrates self-love by marrying herself: "It's all a bed of roses", Frustrated coastal home buyers contend with low inventory, high demand. One plane, with 102 people on board, successfully ditched in the waters off Sitka with no loss of life. Powered by Invision Community. ", "There was weather around us that seemed to be changing rapidly -- obviously, anywhere in Alaska, the weather is like that," Perry said. They have used Tacquen Air. They will not wait for those who booked with the land tour operators directly. Photos on this site are courtesy of Jim Kelnhofer, Mike Beedell, Craig Flatten, Amy Gulik, Dave & Leah Alcyon, Chip Porter, Carla Tchalemian and Lisa Thompson. Misty Fjords National Monument is apopular flightseeing destination, especially with cruise ship passengers. The crash was witnessed by dozens of local residents, according to the Ketchikan Daily News. Which Alaska Canopy Adventures zipline tour is best? Update the categories youd like to receive notifications about. MENU MENU. A pilot and five passengers aboard were on board. Search & Rescue| Southeast| Tourism| Transportation, August 5, 2021 by Molly Lubbers, KRBD - Ketchikan. Did you do any hiking? One was admitted to the hospital in serious condition Tuesday but was upgraded to fair condition Wednesday, Chernick said. Thanks!98 days to go and the excitment is mounting.How was the weather in Alaska? Also, it is not uncommon for an accident to financially ruin a company and I believe a new company may be formed to get out from under the liability and claims against the former company. He said he encountered ceilings of about 1,100 feet and 3 to 5 miles of visibility. Can u accommodate a person using a push wheelchair? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-3950460', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise dock in Ketchikan, at precisely the pre-appointed time, by a courteous young man, and transported with two other couples to the dock where we met Michelle, a lovely and talented pilot. In a statement, Holland America Line said the five passengers had come to Alaska on one of its cruise ships, the Nieuw Amsterdam, which stopped in Ketchikan on Thursday. We also chose to fly with Michelle and Island Wings Air Service. Can your plane handle 4 'normal' sized adults (under 150 lb each average) plus 2 kids? You pay more to book thru Holland America but it is probably worth it. Sadly, they were both the shortest stops. p.s. Why arent all planes required to have that equipment? Misty Fjords is an overwhelming experience! I,m trying to decide if the 4 1/2 hour hike will be too much for my 10 year old. I'm surprised Taquan Air was still contracted to the cruise lines, I thought they severed ties after the 2007 accident (which incidentally was also Princess). Misty Fjords & Glacier Flightseeing Tours, Download Brochure
Last summer, Bruce Markwood survived one outside of Anchorage that killed the pilot of the other plane, who was a flight instructor. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-3955737', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');plane trip again sometime..it is truly a unique experience. We just booked the BEAR CREEK OUTFITTERS Fly out fishing adventure for our HAL Alaska (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? My question is how are you getting from CA to Ketchikan? http://www.faa.gov/data_research/accident_incident/, Get answers to your questions about Ketchikan. Thought that the whole experience was fantastic! According to the Coast Guard, a helicopter spotted the planes wreckage on a ridgeline. 13 years ago Save Hi all. Rescuers reached the site just after 2:30 p.m. A Coast Guard helicopter lowered two rescuers, but they found no survivors, the Coast Guard said. Flew with Taquan Air last summer. Thanks again" When we arrived in Ketchikan, the rep there (Shawn) said they were running an hour late. I told him that we did not have time to wait because we were on a cruise ship. The company said it was making counseling services available to guests and crew. "We just want it to go away," said a woman at Island Wings Air Service. Everyone on board survived the crash, it's believed many are injured. how many people does plane accommodate? VERY unreliable company! I hope you are able to find a carrier that puts your mind at ease. The five Holland America Line cruise ship passengers killed were identified as: The bodies of the six people were recovered on Saturday afternoon, officials said in a statement. The Otter was descending, the Beaver was holding steady, and the planes converged, she said. Enjoy your trip. Does anyone know of the safety record of Misty Fjords Air? This is so sad. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. In another remarkable story of survival, it appears there were no fatalities when a plane carrying 11 people crashed Tuesday in a mountainous region of Alaska. While there, Michelle recounted to us her difficulty with a certain client, who arrived an hour late on a bad weather day, and could not understand that her seats had been given away. I pulled back as hard as I could on my yoke, and made contact.. You'll land on a pristine lake in the middle of nowhere. "We can confirm that a float plane carrying five guests from Nieuw Amsterdam was involved in an accident in Ketchikan, and there are no survivors," Holland America said. "Yes, you will take on a higher risk by getting into any small aircraft, in Alaska or elsewhere. Those companies, in the agreement, set out additional, cooperative safety measures that theyve incorporated into their operations. Cruise Critic); I booked with Michelle this amazing tour! I remember a couple years ago the Smithsonian Channel wanted to do a spinoff of Air Crash Investigations solely based on Alaska crashes and the state legislature threw a major fit claiming it would scare tourists. We had similar problem on our last tour their when the Summit had mechanical problems and our port times were changed when we boarded and then was even later pulling into port. Mid 70's and dazzeling sunshine! Four of us took the floatplane trip to Misty Fjords in late July 07. The land portion of our tour was great; the air portion, not so much. Ketchikan, the first and last stop in Alaska for many of the massive cruise vessels, has about a dozen flight services, far more than one might expect for a town of about 8,200.