Plane Recovered From Beluga Lake; Names of Survivors Released

The Matanuska Electric Association, where all of the plane's passengers worked, says the group was flying to Homer for a fishing trip at the invitation of a power plant contractor.

Photo Courtesy: Sean Pearson

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by News Staff

Story Created: Jul 12, 2012 at 7:11 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Jul 12, 2012 at 7:12 PM AKDT

New details are known about the plane crash in Homer that killed former state lawmaker Cheryll Heinze.

The Matanuska Electric Association, where all of the plane's passengers worked, says the group was flying to Homer for a fishing trip at the invitation of a power plant contractor.

The Cessna 206 on floats flipped during a landing on Beluga Lake near the Homer airport.

Heinze became trapped for some time underwater before rescuers could get her out. The other four passengers Joe Griffith, Tony Zellers, Eddie Taunton and Tony Izzo sustained minor injuries.

Although the direct cause of the crash has not been determined, the National Weather Service reports strong wind gusts of 25 to 30 miles an hour right before the crash on Beluga Lake.

Crews were able to retrieve the plane from the lake this afternoon. (7/12)
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