Update: NTSB says burning engine, ‘fire on board,’ preceded fatal plane crash near Fairbanks

VIDEO: A burning engine and a reported fire on board a Douglas C-54 aircraft that crashed last month near Fairbanks preceded the crash that claimed two lives, according to investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board. The preliminary report by the NTSB was released Thursday morning, detailing the last moments of the plane that crashed into the Tanana River just minutes after taking off from Fairbanks International Airport on the morning of April 23. The crash, which left behind a smoldering trail of wreckage on the banks of the river near Kallenberg Road, killed two unnamed people on board. The identities have yet to be released, pending the results of the investigation and notifying families.
KTUU-TV NBC/CBS 2 Anchorage

1 dead after Wasilla duplex catches fire

VIDEO: One person was found dead early Wednesday morning in Wasilla following a duplex structure fire, according to Matanuska-Susitna Borough officials. According to Ken Barkley, director of the borough’s emergency services, neighbors of the inflamed Melanie Avenue duplex called in the blaze around 6:20 a.m. During the initial call, Barkley said, it was believed that all occupants of the house had evacuated but Barkley said they were informed there might be another person inside the unit. “The initial call came that everybody was out,” Barkley said. “Unfortunately, through the primary search, they did find one person that did not make it out.” Both Central Mat-Su and West Lakes Fire responded, with the first crews arriving at the duplex several minutes later. Crews in Palmer and Houston stood on standby, ready to assist, according to Barkley.
KTUU-TV NBC/CBS 2 Anchorage