Miracle as two children survive plane crash after astonishing survival tactic – The Mirror
How a family’s quick thinking and a stroke of luck turned a disaster into an incredible survival story.
When a small plane crashed onto the frozen surface of Alaska’s Tustumena Lake, the situation looked dire. But thanks to quick thinking, resilience, and a little bit of luck, a father and his two young daughters survived a freezing 12-hour ordeal by sitting on the plane’s wing—until help finally arrived.
A Harrowing Night on the Ice
On Sunday night, March 23, 2025, a Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser carrying a man and his two daughters went down on Tustumena Lake in Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. The plane broke through the ice, partially submerging in the frigid waters. With no immediate help in sight, the trio climbed onto the wing, where they spent the night in below-freezing temperatures.
Alaska State Troopers launched a search after the plane was reported overdue. But it wasn’t until the next morning that a “good Samaritan” pilot, Terry Godes, spotted the wreckage from the air.
“I could see kind of a dark spot,” Godes told Your Alaska Link. “At first, I could tell it was an airplane wing… and then I saw three people on top of it. It was really good to see.”
A Rescue Against All Odds
Godes called it a “series of miracles”—the plane didn’t sink completely, the family stayed on the wing despite the cold, and they survived the night in temperatures dipping into the 20s (°F).
By 10:30 a.m. Monday, the Alaska Army National Guard arrived and airlifted the father and his daughters (reportedly elementary and middle-school-aged) to safety. They were treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a nearby hospital.
What Went Wrong?
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but Alaska’s unpredictable weather and icy conditions often play a role in aviation incidents. Small planes are a lifeline in remote areas, but they also face unique risks.
How Did They Survive?
- Staying with the wreckage – Instead of wandering off, they stayed on the wing, making them easier to spot.
- Avoiding hypothermia – Keeping off the ice and out of the water likely saved their lives.
- Quick emergency response – Alaska’s search-and-rescue teams are among the best in the world.
Final Thoughts: A Story of Hope and Resilience
This incredible survival story reminds us of the power of staying calm in crisis—and the importance of preparedness in extreme environments.
What would you do in a similar situation? Let us know in the comments!
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