In a tragic incident earlier this month, Eugene Peltola Jr., the husband of Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola, lost his life when his small plane crashed while ferrying over 500 pounds of moose meat and antlers from a remote hunting camp in Alaska. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Piper PA-18 crashed near the village of St. Mary's, approximately 500 miles west of Fairbanks, shortly after takeoff on September 12.

The NTSB's initial report, released on Thursday, revealed that Peltola, 57, was the sole person on board the aircraft. Two days before the crash, he had flown a group of hunters, including a guide and equipment, from Holy Cross to a site about 80 miles northwest of the community. They had set up camp next to a landing strip and successfully hunted a moose. Peltola received a message via satellite from the hunters, requesting him to transport the meat back to Holy Cross.

On the day of the crash, Peltola made two trips to transport the meat. The first trip went smoothly, but the second load of meat was estimated to weigh 50 to 70 pounds more than the first. Strapping the antlers to the right wing strut, Peltola was informed by the hunters that wind gusts were stronger at the departure end of the airstrip.

The NTSB report stated that, according to the hunters, the second takeoff appeared more difficult and the plane seemed “labored” compared to the previous flight. As the plane reached the end of the airstrip, it pitched up and turned sharply to the right. Instead of climbing as before, the aircraft flew behind a nearby ridgeline and disappeared from view, according to witnesses.

After the crash, one of the hunters found Peltola still conscious and activated an SOS feature on his satellite device. Unfortunately, Peltola succumbed to his injuries within two hours of the accident. Although one of the hunters captured video footage of the ill-fated takeoff, the impact was not recorded.

Eugene Peltola Jr., also known as "Buzzy," was not only Mary Peltola's husband but had also played a significant role in Alaskan politics. He was by her side in 2022 when she defeated former Governor Sarah Palin to become the first woman to represent Alaska in the House of Representatives. Prior to his involvement in politics, Peltola served as the Alaska regional director for the Bureau of Indian Affairs from 2017 to 2022, following a successful three-decade career in the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

The NTSB is continuing its investigation, and a final report with probable cause findings may take up to two years to complete. In the wake of the tragedy, Mary Peltola expressed her gratitude to everyone who had reached out to offer support during this difficult time.