Famed bush pilot and former star of the Discovery Channel series “Flying Wild Alaska,” Jim Tweto, died in a plane crash on Friday, June 15, along with his passenger.
Eyewitnesses reported difficulties in Tweto’s Cessna 180 gaining altitude during take-off, which culminated in the catastrophic crash. An SOS signal was dispatched from the plane’s onboard satellite equipment, leading to the discovery of the crash site approximately 35 miles northeast of Shaktoolik, Alaska.
Alaska police discovered the bodies of Tweto and his passenger, Shane Reynolds, at the crash scene. Ariel Tweto, Jim’s daughter, revealed the heart-wrenching news of her father’s and Reynolds’ deaths on Instagram, voicing her deep sorrow. Her post stated, “This afternoon, we lost my dad and a wonderful hunting guide who was a friend to our family.”
The Tweto family gained widespread recognition through the Discovery Channel series “Flying Wild Alaska”. The three-season show, which debuted in 2011, documented their small-scale airline venture in Unalakleet, portraying the inherent dangers and hurdles of bush flying in Alaska, inclusive of challenging takeoffs and airdrops.
Tweto, who originally moved to Alaska for a University of Alaska Anchorage hockey career, discovered his true calling in aviation and went on to establish his own airline.
Shane Reynolds leaves behind his wife, Gina, and their daughter in Idaho.
