I never met the man, only saw him on TV, but hearing about this feels like losing a friend. RIP, Mr. Tweto. You are sorely missed.

As Alaska pilot myself for 50 yrs this hurts, most of us looked up to jim as a pilot. I put a headliner in that plane a few yrs ago. It was a really nice 180

@AlanMydland-fq2vs

Жыл бұрын

their is a perfect flight but not the perfect continious flight

@rhlastnae5236

Жыл бұрын

@@AlanMydland-fq2vs WTF man... there vs their, double moron. Upper case, comma, punctuation!

@ihateemael

6 ай бұрын

with 300 hp it must have been a rocket ship? Do you think he was counting on that to get him up?

Jim seemed like such a great man. So sad, makes you realize it can happen to absolutely anyone when a pro like Jim goes down. Condolences to both families involved.

Thank you Juan for this report. I’ve flown a 180 in charter operations in the mountains for the last 20 years. The wind conditions that I fear the most are exactly as you describe. Alternating gusty and then calm and switching directions. I’ve had my own close calls with them. I’ve never had to deal with a situation as tight as the one that Jim did. I had tremendous respect for his experience and ability. RIP

My dad was a 18000 hour ATP qualified pilot, as well as CFI, CFI, multi engine, and commercial pilot. He flew everything from LSA to DC3 and had a great respect for bush pilots and crop dusters. He respected the work and realized that death by crash was always a possibility. RIP to Jim and the other pilot. Condolences to the families. My dad passed away in 2010, from an Asthma attack at age 77. He was not flying anymore because of chronic hearing loss from engine noise. I miss him a lot.

@bendietrees

Жыл бұрын

I'm so sorry about your father's passing. He sounds like an absolute legend. Rest assured you will see him again ❤

@cheddar2648

Жыл бұрын

God bless the memory of your father.

@jerrysanders9101

Жыл бұрын

RIP to your dad as well. They aren’t making many men like Tweto, Juan, your dad, my dads, etc. a truly dying breed.

@guitarhillbilly1482

Жыл бұрын

I recently lost a very good person and mentor who did scud running in Beech 18's with the US MAIL and flew AG for over 40 years. [Pistons and Turbines] It is painful to lose people like him who had a very positive impact on my life and love for aviation. May God Bless all the pilots who have "Gone West".

@johnypitman2368

6 ай бұрын

sounds like your dad was your hero. That fact and your great memories of him will live with you all of your days. Thanks for sharing

Met him 12 years ago at Valdez. He was a terrific example of a father and a husband. My heart breaks for his family.

R.I.P Jimm Tweto. I saw a tv program years ago of him, family, flight company, etc. He seemed to be a very skilled and experienced pilot. My condolences to his family

I'm sick about this. I've watched all Era Alaska videos. He had an incredible dry sense of humor, I loved it. I fell so bad for his wife and daughters, they were such a close family. On one episode the cameraman asked Jim why he wasn't having any raw seal fin with his wife and Ariel to which he said, someone has to fly them to a hospital if they get sick. My condolences.

Juan, your reports are factual, insightful, empathetic, and hype-free. A very rare combination to find on KZread.

@thomasmleahy6218

Жыл бұрын

Also, I might add, complete sentences, appropriate noun/verb usage, spelled and punctuated correctly. All of which makes this site a welcome oasis of understandable information and friendly commentary, quite unlike many (way too many) other sites. In my haste, the spell check feature has slipped a few doozies by me, so it ain't often easy communication, I'll grant you, but plod on we must! Thank you Mr B. 👍

@cherylbusch6236

Жыл бұрын

Well said !!👍🏻

This Pilot was super experienced in back country aviation. He not only had a TV Show featuring his work, he taught his own Daughter to fly as well. This was just as Juan tells us. This Pilot is a Legend.

@Gtrips07

Жыл бұрын

The question is why could no one else get into the site?

@damienmccormack2789

Жыл бұрын

No that's not the question. He had the contract to the hunting guides so it's up to him to get them in and out. As far as aircraft flying in gusty conditions off airport, I'd say that it's common sense for them to not fly in after the conditions already took out a highly experienced pilot and a very well set up and proved aircraft.

@1911combatcommander

Жыл бұрын

@@Gtrips07 I don't think its going to be so much that nobody else COULD, it's that nobody else SHOULD. Jim was likely the most experienced pilot in that area for going into spots like that. When a mission becomes a rescue/recovery, throwing a turbine helicopter at the problem just makes sense. Don't underestimate the psychological effect of it being JIM that is down either. As another fixed wing pilot, I don't think that I'd want to use that strip until I know it's been cleared of debris and we can establish what went wrong.

God bless Jim and all that knew him. With his passing we have lost a incredible guy. RIP

I'm sick about this. I was a great admirer of Jim Tweto.

@enigmawyoming5201

Жыл бұрын

The Tweto’s are a wholesome family doing important, and interesting work in Alaska. I feel fortunate to have been able to peek into their lives and work, and I am too saddened.. GREATLY with this loss.

@cojaxart8986

Жыл бұрын

Mutual thoughts fellas. Thanks for sharing. We will miss Jim dearly..

Prayers for the Tweto family. Such a great pilot and human being. Another example of why we all need to be cautious at all times.

Very unfortunate. R.I.P. Thank you, Juan.

Thank you Juan , I watched most episodes of the series and like many others realised how dangerous this type of flying was but guys like Jim didn’t toy with the flying conditions they respected the weather and it’s dangers, so sad , condolences to the tweeto family

Thanks for the excellent report Juan. My wife and I watched Jim's show and were saddened by his loss. We kinda feel like we know the Tweeto's, a little bit at least, because of the show. Alaskan bush pilots are an incredible breed.

I watched the show, he seemed like a great guy and dad! Condolences to his family. One thing I will never forget is taking off in the direction of the rising mountains on TN08 runway 33 in the C-150 aerobat I was flying from our small grass strip one windy August day in TN. When I was nervously back taxiing my instructor said "It's hot, WE are full of fuel, and it is windy you have to be on your best behavior!" as soon as we were in ground effect we started drifting, I of course did my best to fly runway heading as we built air speed and there was only a small gap to fly through the trees at the end of the runway. After that you had to make a 90 degree left turn and follow the road down a valley until you had sufficient altitude to maneuver. Not sure if I had to have any help on that one or not but it was one of the two times I was terrified. I do not fly anymore but I will never forget the words of my instructor who is also a great no nonsense guy! I value that kind of instruction and think it is paramount in the industry! It is certainly much more personal when you know someone who took off and did not return. For many people who only knew Jim from watching the show as did I, it is the same feeling. I think that just shows his character and what a great guy he must have been. As with any accident may we learn from it and never forget! Always be on your best behavior!

Thanks for the update Juan. Appreciate the facts.

I don't think there is any way ANYONE could predict a sudden downdraft like that. That was one of the most powerful, well-maintained 180's in the world. Total freak accident. I can't imagine the living relative's grief. Celebrate their lives....the certainly lived full lives doing exactly what they loved to do...RIP

@camiwilliamson9411

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this. My cousin Shane was the passenger killed in this wreck.

@RadChick

Жыл бұрын

My sincerest condolences to your family dear @camiwilliamson9411

My goodness.... Prayers to the family. He's done a lot for his community....

Jim was a super man, husband, father and PILOT. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. RIP Jim and best of wishes for his family and friends.

Jim was well known throughout the world as a very skilled sensible pilot. Luck wasn’t on his side that day. Ferno, Elaine, Ariel and Ayla…I was so sorry to learn of this tragedy…Jim among others inspired me to learn how to fly…skills test next week, if weather improves. God bless you.

@flyingphobiahelp

Жыл бұрын

Luck or poor planning?

@alfredomarquez9777

Жыл бұрын

​@@flyingphobiahelpEven good planning happens to stop being good when conditions deteriorate quickly. Consider that thete are no clear indications neither instrumentation from that remote "airstrip"...

@flyingphobiahelp

Жыл бұрын

@@alfredomarquez9777 would be interesting to see weather forecast for the area for the time of the accident

@seriouscat2231

Жыл бұрын

@@flyingphobiahelp, I think it's on the video.

@johnbaskett2309

Жыл бұрын

@@flyingphobiahelp Weather info on the coast at Shaktoolik would provide little info what was happening on a ridge top 30 miles to the east in the hills.

What a man he was, no ego and no bravado. This accident reminds me of what happened to Mike Patey with Drako, a massively experienced pilot with a well set up plane can't compete with wind gusts. Mike was just really lucky that he was on airport without varying terrain and trees. Rest in peace Jim and our love to his family.

My sympathies to Ferno, Ayla, Ariel and the entire Tweto family as well as the Reynolds family.

Throughout the series of his shows, he always said that his 180 was his favorite plane and the business would cease to operate without it. If such an experienced man could fail, how much more could others do also. Adios Jim, you are already missed.

Killed...by an unexpected crosswind. And a 12 foot tall tree 4" in diameter... All the holes in the cheese lined up in a one in a million chance... Thank you for the report, Juan.

I have talked to many people who have loved what they do, and they all said, if they got killed doing what they loved, it wouldn't be so bad. This is still tragic and that doesn't make this any easier, but Jim died doing what he loved most....flying! RIP and condolences to his friends and family. Thanks Juan.

I recently lost a very good person and mentor who did scud running in Beech 18's with the US MAIL and flew AG for over 40 years. [Pistons and Turbines] It is painful to lose people like him who had a very positive impact on my life and love for aviation. May God Bless all the pilots who have "Gone West".

@Chris_at_Home

Жыл бұрын

I have lived in Alaska for many years with jobs that required flying in all kinds of small aircraft for work. I have had a few exciting times including taking off in a 185 with the stall warning going off for more than a few seconds, cargo door opening on a 206 when the flaps were lowered to land and a helicopter I was in picked up a box with foam as we were lifting off a drill platform. It sounded like the main rotor hit a 2x4.I had a small plane 40 years ago that I learned to fly, but after seeing a few friends with way more experience than me die I figured flying for work was enough.

The way you said it, I think the report is stating the clump of trees was positioned approximately 2/3 the length of the runway beyond the departure threshold. In the absence of a surveyed distance, the author was simply trying to give a relative distance that could be related to by readers. Airfield 750ft long so trees approx. 500ft from downhill threshold.

So sorry to hear about this. Condolences to the Tweto family and to family of the passenger. I loved to watch the family on the TV and their aviation exploits. Our hearts and prayers are with you.

When it's Your time, it's your Time! RIP! 🙏🙏

It sounds like it was just bad timing and caught a gust at the worst time in the worst direction. A steady wind he could have adjusted for, but gusts are invisible. RIP.

Very sad story, carefully explained to the layman as usual. Thanks.

It's truly a tragedy. The loss of life alone is terrible, but even more so the aviation community has lost one of its greatest. Prayers to Jim's family and friends, as well as the loved ones if his passenger Shane.😔

I had a similar wind-shear occurence many years ago out of Deauville, France. Four of us in a PA28-161 at MTOW. Wind was light variable on the active runway and the airfield has a wooded area with trees just beyond the end of the runway. Takeoff run was normal as was rotation and climb to around 50 feet..... then the wind-shear effect off of the treetops was encountered, stall warn horn blaring and airspeed very low, no runway remaining so lowered the nose to build airspeed and then using momentum a last minute pull-up to clear the treetops....luckily we got away with it. Up to that point I had been flying our club's PA28-181 but it was unavailable that day. I did not fully appreciate the difference that 20 less horsepower would make until it really mattered. But if we're lucky we learn from our mistakes.....I sure did that day. I've looked at possible wind-shear and the topography for every airfield since then and been aware that its very important to make sure of performance differences of seemingly similar airplanes.

Thank you for the in-depth and informative look at this accident. This is a tragedy.

Really appreciate your report Juan. My condolences to the entire Tweto family.

@flyingark173

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your report, Juan. Is it safe to say that there is no option for an aborted take off if say the pilot didn't not like how much he was being blown to the side? It seems to me that once he was even a quarter or third down the airstrip, he had no choice but to continue, is that accurate?

@todd7152

Жыл бұрын

​@@flyingark173😊😢u🎉😂😂

@todd7152

Жыл бұрын

​@@flyingark1736😢

@todd7152

Жыл бұрын

​@@flyingark173454😢😂4🎉

@todd7152

Жыл бұрын

😊😊🎉😅yy😂😂🎉😂o😢🎉😢😊🎉😊😢

We send our condolences to the Tweto family and friends. Jim came across as great father, husband and a great airman. A great passion for aviation and always careful when flying. He had avgas in his blood. Rest in peace Jim. Going to miss future Fly Wild Alaska.

Thank you juani I reached to Ariel sending love from AZ pilots guess that saying is correct old and bold pilots... lost my dad in an airshow so I feel for the family. Keep up the good work. Sir. Be safe

Thanks Juan for the good information. I still have an empty feeling about this tragedy. Like they say: "If it can happen to him, it can happen to anyone."

@New2Me170B

Жыл бұрын

Complacency is a huge issue in all dangerous professions. It’s sneaks up on you and you don’t realize it until it’s too late an incident makes it apparent.

I pray for families who lost a loved one and the Tweto family for the loss of Jim. He was an inspiration to all bush pilots.

Thank you for this careful detailing that helps us all extract life-saving lessons, though saddened by the loss of such an experienced professional and family man 😢

I really loved "Flying Wild Alaska" and watched every episode. Jim Tweto and his family were always welcome in my home on the adventures of FWA. Everybody knows that being a bush pilot is a very dangerous occupation. The reward's of the beautiful scenery and getting people and goods to remote area's are those that are only known to very few people in the world. My heart felt sorrow goes out to everyone that was touched by Jim and his beautiful family. I'm certain that nobody could believe that this happened. Thank you to the Tweto family for all that you've done for the citizens of your remote area. You are a lifeline, a saint with wing's to all you touched. Jim, I'm absolutely sure your community misses you. My deepest condolences to all concerned. Carl Gulbransen

Very Good Juan, My brother was a crop duster (top dresser) In NZ &Australia flying various aircraft Over the years had to make emergency landings,due to mechanical /engine failures,and the nature of the work Not unlike Jim’s work Peter had a heart attack on take off and the machine caught fire 🔥 RIP Peter and Jim and passengers

Thank you Juan- your coverage and analysis is top shelf. Thoughts and prayers to the Tweto family🛫

Soar forever Jim, you were an awesome pilot. Condolences to the family, Jim was 1 in a million.

Unpredictable wind and too much weight is a problem even for the best most experienced pilots. No pilot should ever make the mistake of overestimating their abilities over real life physics and weather conditions. Sad ending for a super nice pilot and his trusting passenger!

Sad ending to what everyone agrees was a very good pilot. Juan gave a superb description of the effect of winds in mountainous terrain. I would add that as the wind crosses the peak of a mountain it not only flows down slope with the terrain, it also rolls similar to the way surf rolls when it moves toward shore. Consequently there is a vertical down draft component to the downwind condition. In helicopter operations in mountainous terrain pinnacle operations we always approach into the wind (or crosswind)on an approach that is steeper than the invisible line of demarcation where wind goes upward from the windward side and rolls over the top to a downdraft on the leeward side. We always leave ourselves an out either left or right to go around if below that invisible but present line of demarcation. In this case, the pilot had very few options by make a safe takeoff. Very sad.

Condolences to his wonderful family Jim was a king of daredevils and had a great life and business Era Alaska Airlines. RIP Jim and thanks for the great job!! Flying has it's risk even for the best!

A guy I know was flying a 185 on floats, took off after some work had been done at an AMO. a few minutes into the flight, he heard a thud and the aircraft became pitch unstable. He had no Idea at that moment what was going on and immediately returned to the airport trying his best to maintain control. When he got back on the ground, it was discovered that one of the hatch covers on the float blew off and hit the leading edge of the stabilizer and put a medium size dent in it. He sent me a pic of it and it was a hell of a lot smaller than the one in the photo shown here.

@brianrk1944

Жыл бұрын

Wow!!!3

@dwaynemcallister7231

Жыл бұрын

My Dad had a lot of time in Cessna 180's, one winter day he was flying to a trappers cabin in the Great Bear Lake area and he landed on a frozen creek on ski's, while turning around his horizontal stabilizer hit something, a piece of ice sticking up I believe, the plane was unflyable, so he used his axe to chop the bent horizontal tail off, leaving his passenger with the trapper he took off and flew to where he could purchase a used horizontal tail. It flew ok, 5 mph faster cruise...not legal but he got away with it, no passenger of course. That was 1973

@arthurbrumagem3844

Жыл бұрын

We had a warrior on my field hit an eagle. A student and female instructor was on board. They barely landed safely . The instructor was extremely capable and why they made it safely to the ground. I was amazed at how the Eagle bent the fuselage and horizontal stabilizer. The plane was totaled by the insurance company

@thomasmleahy6218

Жыл бұрын

​@@arthurbrumagem3844 Eagle is a big bird with a sturdy body. Same with Canada Geese, very sturdy with strong breastbones, they'll leave a mighty big dent also.

@arthurbrumagem3844

Жыл бұрын

@@thomasmleahy6218 sure was obvious after hitting the warrior.

All that experience and flying a great aircraft. Goes to show how precarious hard-core bush flying is. BTW Juan, if you're going to be catching more jobs out of Charlotte and are looking for a cool venue nearby to kill a couple hours, Uber over to the U.S. Whitewater Center. It's about 8 miles from the airport and has several cool restaurants with great views of the whitewater runs. Safe travels!

@thomaswilson8634

Жыл бұрын

He would absolutely love that place.

@skoffco

Жыл бұрын

I was based out of Charlotte for 37+ years. I know the Whitewater Center well great place to burn some time

Flying wild Alaska prompted me to get my SPL! I am heartbroken to just hear this!!! Jim did not take chances on the tv show and i doubt he did at anytime. He was one of the best bush pilots with a world of experience!!😢😢😢❤

So sorry to hear about Jim Tweto. My prayers go out to his family.

Thanks for doing these reports

According to the reports, after one tailplane was wiped after hitting the tree, Jim somehow kept the plane in the air for another 400 yards before impact, what a man.

Thanks for the respectful analysis of this unfortunate situation.

Thanks blancolirio. A sad end to a magnificent bush pilot. May he rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers to his family and collagues.

Thank you Juan, most appreciated.

Thank you very much for picking this tragic event up! RIP. My Condolences to the Families and Friends.

Thanks JB! Great report!

Thanks for providing the “what happened” to Jim Tweto accident.Loved the family from watching Flying Wild Alaska. RIP Tweto family, so sorry for your loss. 😢

Never met Jim but watched the TV series and saw a fine family man who loved his 180 especially when the more powerful engine was fitted. My condolences to his family and friends.

So Sad. I used to love watching Jim and his family on TV. I watched all their series. I am a flight sim nut and had started an around the world flight, eastwards from my home airport Withybush here in southwest Wales. When I found out about Jim's accident I was flying in Japan and intended taking the Aleutian Island's chain to Alaska. As my own mark of respect to Jim and his family I decided to keep flying north through Russa to Proideniya Airport and then via Savoonga on to Nome and then to Unalakleet. I felt so saddened by the news I wanted to do this. God bless Jim's family and help then through this time of sadness and loss.

Thanks Juan for the information, absolutely heartbreaking 😢

Condolences to Mr. Tweto's family.

Thank you for your informative review. Prayers and condolences for both families 🙏😥🙏

RIP Jim Tweto. Condolences to his family. I know TV is TV but it touches you more when you know the names and faces of those lost and in pain and they're all good folks.

Thank you for the video.

Thanks so much Captain. A reminder that we are insignificant in the grand scheme of things. The planet and its weather systems are so much larger than life! Recognizing this fact makes waiting out the weather seems to become so much more real than our schedules, it becomes something that we can even enjoy...

I have always been amazed at the 180, the aircraft can about haul its own weight.

@moi01887

Жыл бұрын

Especially with an extra 70 HP driving the propeller!

My deepest sympathy for the Tweeto family. As a pilot I hate to hear that we lost one of our flying family..

Ever since watching the Flying Alaska show a few years back, I often questioned the logic of such operations when a helicopter could accomplish the mission so much easier and safer. I marvel at the skill of back country pilots and have never done any of that type flying myself. But after a year as a Huey pilot in Vietnam, I am a firm believer in rotorcraft operations. Always sad to lose a fellow pilot.

@alaskamedgrower5416

Жыл бұрын

U can’t use a helicopter in any capacity In hunting alaska

@jkentsan

Жыл бұрын

@@alaskamedgrower5416 I didn't know there were such restrictions.

@2011blueman

11 ай бұрын

Helicopters are definitely NOT safer and they can't accomplish the mission easier than a STOL airplane.

Great job as usual Juan. Very respectful. This can happen to anyone, as this is proof! Prayers sent!!

Sorry to hear. Condolences to all family and friends. ❤🙏

Juan you are much more informative and respectful than Gryder on this accident; I appreciate that. Its hard for me to judge a fellow pilots judgement when I was not there; I do own a similar 180 and have a couple thousand hours in the bush in Alaska, BC, and Idaho; I think the old saying “ shit happens” even with proper planning and good judgement. RIP Jim and may your family find peace and comfort🥃

@johnbaskett2309

Жыл бұрын

Corn Patch Dan thinks Alaska bush pilots are nothing more than mouth breathing troglodytes. His only foray into STOL flying ended up with a very nice Cessna 150 upside down in a corn patch. He is quite proud of that display of airmanship. Of course, he wasn't out of anything, as the plane belonged to some poor smuck who had total faith in Corn Patch's superior aeronautical abilities.

Juan, what I'm getting from the report is the plain went down the runway dropped down, but went down way more than normal and hit the tree on the mountain side. So this is what happens when you fly off a aircraft carrier. Plain leaves the deck, drops down then flies up and away.

Thank you very much for the report

Gone with the wind. Rest in peace legends!

Thanks for the report Juan. You always give it to us Straight. Thats one of the many things I like about you!

Thank you for this. I followed Flying Wild Alaska on TV. My condolences to the families involved ♥

Ty for sharing followed them on TV was sad to hear what happened. Rip Sir and prayers to the family 🙏❤️💙 great job explaining what happened 👌🇺🇲

Juan, thanks again for an excellent report. This incident documents that even the most experienced pilots can make a wrong decision... RIP Jim Tweto. Take this as a serious lesson for all us pilots.

@NicolaW72

Жыл бұрын

Very well said.

only just found this, and am saddened by his loss and also the loss of his passenger, I had followed Jim and his family for many years and found him to be a great family man and a great pilot the local community is going to miss him so much, I only hope that the family will carry on his legacy, may you fly forever in the winds of heaven god bless you JT

Thanks Jaun.

Condolences to the families involved,thanks Juan,safe travels,👋👋🙏🙏🇦🇺

Thank you Juan for your explanation. Especially on this particular crash.

Juan as a private pilot SEL I always appreciate your no nonsense insights. I learn from every analysis you do.

So sad. Condolences to the Tweto family. Thanks Juan.

Yes likes here Juan, my condolences again to the family.

Very nice job, Juan

May God comfort his family. My sincerest condolences. Thank you Juan for this information.

Thank you.

I would be willing to bet he was one of the most experienced Bush pilots around that area. I have seen every episode of flying wild Alaska and i think there is an episode of Jim flying out of that air strip. RIP Jim, God speed. Praying for the family it was very apparent they are a very close family.

@Hugocraft

Жыл бұрын

which season and episode was that air strip in?

@pickle4332

Жыл бұрын

@@MrSuzuki1187 Bragging about someone being better on the video of a fatal accident report… why would you decide to write this?

@russejones

Жыл бұрын

@MrSuzuki1187 I never said the best, probably one of the best. Even the best make mistakes. You may be a CFI but your comment makes you sound like a 12 year old.

@csolivais1979

Жыл бұрын

​@@MrSuzuki1187I hope you teach better than your reading compression seems to suggest. Or did you get so angry you didn't even bother to read what was written?

@johnkerr4645

Жыл бұрын

@@MrSuzuki1187 "I ever signed off for the Private ride with 35 hours". Does that mean you can issue a private pilots certificate with no set number of hours required to be flown?

Thank you!

Thanks for the info

Gracias juan, Thank you Jim, for letting us see the biggest part of your life, for teaching us trough media. May all who is left behind, have warmth in your igloos, oil in your lamps, and peace in your hearts.....

sorry to hear!! thank you RIP

thank you

I remembered him from the show. A friend met his daughter Ariel few times. Sad for the family.

Sad story but thanks for this objective update, Juan.