Plane crash kills ‘Flying Wild Alaska’ pilot Jim Tweto and Idaho hunting guide

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Renowned bush pilot Jim Tweto, who gained fame through his prominent role in the Discovery Channel’s “Flying Wild Alaska” series, tragically lost his life in a plane crash. Accompanying him was Shane Reynolds, an experienced hunting and fishing guide from Idaho. The incident occurred shortly after their aircraft took off, resulting in their untimely demise, according to Alaska State Troopers.

Jim Tweto, who operated a family-owned rural aviation business in Unalakleet, was prominently showcased in the television series for three seasons nearly a decade ago. On Friday, the fatal crash took place near the coastal village of Shaktoolik, approximately 125 miles (200 kilometers) east of Nome. The Alaska State Troopers’ report revealed that the plane failed to ascend after takeoff and subsequently crashed.

An SOS activation at around 11:48 a.m. on Friday alerted the troopers, who then received information about a Cessna 180 crash occurring 35 miles northeast of Shaktoolik. Responding promptly from Nome, the troopers recovered the bodies of both Jim Tweto and Shane Reynolds. The National Transportation Safety Board has initiated an investigation into the incident.

Jim Tweto, aged 68, met his untimely demise while engaged in the activity he cherished most, as expressed by his daughter Ariel in an Instagram post. She fondly remembered Shane Reynolds, aged 45, as a remarkable hunting guide and a close friend of their family.

Originally hailing from Kansas and raised in Minnesota, Jim Tweto arrived in Alaska to pursue a hockey career at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Eventually settling in Unalakleet, he crossed paths with his wife Ferno. The couple, along with their three daughters, became prominent figures in the Discovery series, which aired from 2011 to 2012, capturing the essence of their lives in Unalakleet.

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More about plane crash

• Discovery Channel’s “Flying Wild Alaska” series
• Alaska State Troopers
• National Transportation Safety Board
• Anchorage Daily News article
• Hageland Aviation Services
• Era Alaska (now Ravn Air Group)
• Northwest Fishing Expeditions
• University of Alaska Anchorage