Federal teams continue to investigate three Alaska plane crashes that took place in May, including two that involved the Ketchikan-based company Taquan Air.
Taquan voluntarily suspended its flightseeing, freight, charter and commuter flights following a May 20 incident in the Metlakatla harbor. A commuter floatplane cartwheeled upon landing, killing the pilot and a passenger.
Taquan resumed its cargo operations three days later, according to an Anchorage Daily News report, and the company is working on an action plan to resume passenger flights this month.
The accident followed a May 13 midair collision between floatplanes operated by Taquan Air and Mountain Air Service. Six individuals died in the crash, which took place as both floatplanes were flying to Ketchikan from Misty Fjords, according to National Transportation Safety Board reports. The planes were carrying Royal Princess cruise guests.
A floatplane also crashed in Cascade Bay, 20 miles southwest of Valdez, on May 22. The Coast Guard, Alaska Air National Guard and good Samaritans responded to the incident, in which one passenger died and two were injured.
The Alaska Travel Industry Association issued the following statement following the accidents.
"We're all shaken to the core when travelers -- both visitors and residents -- are involved in tragic incidents in Alaska. Alaska's visitor industry strives to show the state's unbelievable beauty and help create lasting memories here. Our industry is committed to safety for all those traveling in Alaska.
"We are devastated by the news of the May 13 flightseeing incident near Ketchikan and May 20 commuter flight incident near Metlakatla. We are focused on supporting those involved, especially any travelers being affected, their families and the entire Southeast Alaska community.
"As a state rich in aviation history and more pilots per capita than any other, air travel is as frequent as any other mode of transportation in Alaska. Alaska's travel providers and operators are committed to safeguarding their guests by following the highest safety standards and best practices.
"There are dozens of flight operators across the state and hundreds of flights offered per day. According to the most recent Alaska Visitors Statistics Program, 13% of all visitors who came to Alaska in 2016 participated in a flightseeing activity. It is one of the most popular ways to see Alaska while in the state."