176th Wing Alaska Air National Guardsmen rescued three individuals in two plane crash incidents that took place on the Kenai Peninsula on Wednesday, July 27 – one was located near Tustumena Lake, and the other was near Chakachamna Lake, across the Cook Inlet near Tyonek. Both rescues were triggered by the Super Cub’s 406 MHZ Emergency Locater Transmitter.
The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center dispatched Alaska Air National Guardsmen of the 210th and 212th Rescue Squadrons in addition to an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter. An inReach satellite communications device was used to talk with rescue coordinators providing critical information at the Tustumena Lake crash site.
The crash site was located by the 210th Squadron and the 212th pararescuemen assessed the injured occupant while the other was uninjured. Both were flown to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage where they were released to medical personnel.
The 210th Squadron HH-60 helicopter and the 211th HC-130J Combat King II, which refueled the Pave Hawk, were launched for the second rescue. The wreckage was located and the uninjured pilot was transported to the Birchwood Airport north of Anchorage where he was released to the Anchorage Police Department.
According to a press release, Alaska Air National Guard Capt. Seth Peterson, Alaska Rescue Coordination Center senior controller, stressed the importance of keeping 406 ELT registration up to date to expedite rescue operations. He said it helps having several means of satellite communication such as a 406 ELT, a satellite phone, or a satellite device with text capability, adding that it makes for a smoother rescue operation.
David Bedard with the 176th Wing Public Affairs writes that, for these missions, the 210th Rescue Squadron, 212th Rescue Squadron and the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center received credit for three saves. The 211th Rescue Squadron received credit for one save.