A pilot and two children survived approximately 12 hours on the wing of a partially submerged plane after it crashed into Tustumena Lake in Alaska on March 24, 2025.

Authorities described the rescue as remarkable, emphasizing the unexpected survival of the passengers under such dire circumstances.

Tustumena Lake is notorious for its sudden and dangerous winds, which pose significant challenges for aviation and boating in the area.

Emergency responders acted swiftly to locate and extract the passengers from the wreckage, demonstrating the community's commitment to helping those in need.

The crash site was located near the toe of a glacier, and the plane was mostly submerged, with only the wing and part of the rudder visible above the water and ice.

Initial search efforts were hampered by dangerous weather conditions, but a family friend's call for help on Facebook significantly increased search participation.

Rescue teams, including the Alaska National Guard and local authorities, mobilized helicopters and ground crews to locate the crash site and assist the survivors.

The search began around 10:30 p.m. on March 23, after the plane was reported overdue, but initial attempts to locate it were unsuccessful due to the absence of an emergency transmitter signal.

Another pilot, Dale Eicher, played a crucial role in the rescue by spotting the crash site about half an hour after it was first identified and confirming the plane's coordinates to authorities.

The survivors faced harsh nighttime temperatures dipping below 30°F, and the pilot exhibited signs of hypothermia after being partially submerged in icy water.

Despite the challenging conditions, the two children were found surprisingly dry, highlighting the miraculous nature of their survival.

Family friend Scott Holmes expressed gratitude to the community for their efforts in the rescue, underscoring the spirit of cooperation in the face of adversity.