Seldovia, Alaska — A tragic aviation accident claimed the lives of four individuals when a small plane crashed into shallow tidal waters near this remote coastal town on August 26, 2026. Among the victims was Eric Middlebrook, a seasoned pilot and former mayor of Bethel, Alaska, well-respected in both aviation circles and local communities.
The single-engine Piper PA-24-260 took off from Merrill Field Airport in Anchorage with Seldovia as its intended destination, approximately 135 miles away across Kachemak Bay. However, the flight ended abruptly, with the aircraft descending into 15 feet of water just off the shore of Seldovia Slough shortly after takeoff. Local authorities responded to the incident around 1:18 p.m. and later confirmed the fatalities of all four individuals on board.
Middlebrook, 68, was flying the aircraft, accompanied by three passengers from the San Francisco Bay Area: Ronald Schmidt, 65, and his 20-year-old son Lance Schmidt, both of San Jose, and Daniel Simons, 82, of Los Gatos. As the tides shifted, recovery efforts were hindered until the water receded, allowing personnel from the Alaska State Troopers to retrieve the bodies, which were subsequently sent to the state medical examiner for autopsies.
Witnesses reported hearing the plane’s engine before it crashed, sending onlookers into a state of fear and uncertainty as they awaited news on the fate of those aboard. With no roads connecting to Seldovia, air travel is often the only means of transportation for residents, highlighting the critical role aviation plays in this rugged region.
Middlebrook was not only a pilot but also a prominent figure in his community, having served as mayor of Bethel, a key area in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. For years, he flew refrigeration equipment to remote villages, ensuring vital supplies reached those in need. A native of Northern California, he made Alaska his home for decades and was known for his extensive flying experience.
The impact of this tragedy ripples through the Bay Area, where the Schmidts and Simons lived. As loved ones received notification of the accident, the shock and sorrow were palpable, with their community mourning the loss of beloved family members.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into the incident. Preliminary evidence suggests the aircraft may have experienced difficulties shortly after takeoff, potentially clipping trees before entering the water. While the investigation is still in its early stages and could take months for a complete analysis, the wreckage recovered from the slough will be pivotal in determining what led to the crash.
Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and emphasized the need for continued investment in aviation safety. Given the state’s reliance on small aircraft for transportation, the issue is central to ongoing discussions about air safety regulations and infrastructure improvements.
Just days before the Seldovia crash, another aviation incident in southwest Alaska resulted in the deaths of eight people when a charter plane encountered severe conditions during a landing attempt. While no connections have been established between the two accidents, both serve as stark reminders of the inherent risks associated with small-aircraft travel in Alaska, where flying remains a critical lifeline for many remote communities.
As the NTSB continues its investigation into the crash that took Middlebrook, the Schmidts, and Simons, the focus remains on uncovering the circumstances surrounding this devastating event and the broader implications for aviation safety in the Last Frontier.