Eric C. Corl, 28, of Fairbanks died after the small plane he was flying crashed near a private runway in Delta Junction on Sunday, Alaska State Troopers reported today.
Corl was the only person in the plane.
Witnesses told troopers that shortly after the Piper PA-12 Corl was flying took off from the runway, the engine started making unusual noises and quit.
Corl attempted to turn back toward the runway, but the plane stalled and dropped nose-first into trees and the ground, the troopers said. Corl was taken to a medical center in Delta Junction but died as he was being flown to Anchorage for further medical treatment, troopers reported.
The National Transportation Safety Board was sending two investigators to the scene Monday, said regional director Jim LaBelle.
Troopers heard about the crash at 3:15 p.m. Sunday.
Anchorage Daily News / adn.com