Famed bush pilot and former star of the Discovery Channel series “Flying Wild Alaska,” Jim Tweto, died in a plane crash on Friday, June 15, along with his passenger.
Tweto’s Cessna 180 had difficulty ascending during take-off, as reported by onlookers, resulting in the deadly crash. The plane’s onboard satellite equipment transmitted an SOS signal, leading to the identification of the crash site approximately 35 miles northeast of Shaktoolik, Alaska.
Tweto and his passenger, Shane Reynolds, were found deceased at the crash site by the Alaska police. Ariel Tweto, Jim’s daughter, announced the distressing news of her father’s and Reynolds’ passings on Instagram, expressing her profound grief. She wrote, “My dad and a wonderful hunting guide and friend of our family passed away this afternoon.”
The Discovery Channel series “Flying Wild Alaska” brought the Tweto family into the limelight. The show, which aired for three seasons starting in 2011, followed their small airline business in Unalakleet, demonstrating the inherent risks and challenges of Alaskan bush flying, including executing airdrops and daring takeoffs.
The National Transportation Safety Board is currently undertaking an investigation into the accident that resulted in the deaths of Jim Tweto and Shane Reynolds. Tweto, who originally relocated to Alaska to play hockey for the University of Alaska Anchorage, found his true passion in aviation and eventually established his own aviation company.
Shane Reynolds is survived by his wife, Gina, and their daughter residing in Idaho.