By THE ALASKA STORY
Feb. 1, 2026 – A small plane crashed shortly after takeoff in Anchorage late Saturday afternoon, sending one person to the hospital and prompting an aviation investigation.
The aircraft, a Piper PA-22 bearing tail number N3263Z, experienced an apparent engine failure shortly after departing the Merrill Field runway after 4 pm on Jan. 31, according to preliminary information. The plane reportedly reached approximately 420 feet before going down.
Two people were on board at the time of the crash. The pilot was not injured. The passenger was transported to a local hospital with injuries; the extent of those injuries has not yet been released.
According to the FAA records, the aircraft is registered to Jacob Caldwell of Soldotna. The plane was possibly being operated as a rental through Kenai Aviation Flight School.
Emergency responders arrived on scene shortly after the crash. Photos by the 907 Fire Photo Facebook account posted to social media show the aircraft damaged at the crash site, with emergency vehicles nearby.
The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to investigate, as is standard in aviation accidents.
This is a developing story. Details may change.
