Fairbanks, Alaska
– A Douglas C-54 Skymaster airplane, a military version of the Douglas DC-4 used during World War II, crashed into the Tanana River near Fairbanks, Alaska on Tuesday. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), two individuals were aboard the aircraft. While the FAA confirmed the crash, there is no immediate information regarding the passengers’ conditions.The DC-4, which typically accommodated 44 passengers during its heyday, has predominantly been converted to freight use. State troopers initially identified the crashed plane as a DC-4 but later issued a statement advising people to avoid the crash site. John Dougherty, a troopers spokesperson, directed inquiries to the brief statement and declined to answer questions.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA will collaborate on the crash investigation, with the NTSB taking the lead. Messages left with the NTSB have not yet been returned.