As reasons for a plane crash go, this might be the most unique. A National Transportation Safety Board report reveals that a small Piper PA‑18 plane crashed near St. Mary’s, Alaska, in September 2023, killing Eugene “Buzzy” Peltola Jr., the husband of former Rep. Mary Peltola. Investigators found the plane was overloaded with moose meat by at least 117 pounds and had moose antlers strapped to its right wing, creating drag.
Yes, the plane had moose antlers on one wing. Combined with strong wind and turbulence, this made it hard to lift off, causing the crash shortly after takeoff. Two hunters nearby helped him, but Peltola died within hours. This accident aligns with a lawsuit Mary Peltola filed against the plane’s owner for negligence, claiming he directed unsafe flights and added unauthorized external loads. The report calls this a “perfect storm” of preventable errors.
Source: CBS News
