NABESNA, Alaska. The deaths of Cabot Pitts, 42, and Connor Helsel, 18, are being mourned after the two were killed when a small plane crashed in Alaska’s Wrangell Mountains.
Alaska State Troopers identified Pitts, a pilot from Palmer, and Helsel, a teenager from Michigan, as the two people who died in the crash. The Piper Cub went down shortly after taking off from a remote dirt airstrip near Snag Creek on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
The two men were the sole occupants of the aircraft, according to authorities.
Cabot Pitts Remembered as Alaska Hunting Guide
Cabot Pitts was known in Alaska’s outdoor and hunting community. He was the owner of Alaska Wildwind Adventures and served as president of the Alaska Professional Hunters Association.
The association described Pitts as someone whose passion for hunting and fishing began at a young age. He eventually built a career as an outfitter and registered guide in Alaska.
Pitts was also remembered as a husband and father. Following news of his death, people who knew him and had traveled with him in Alaska shared memories of his work, character and connection to the state’s wilderness.
His death came while he was flying in connection with a hunting operation.
Connor Helsel Dies at 18
Connor Adam Helsel, 18, was from Lake City, Michigan. His family has described him as a young man with a strong faith and a desire to work in Alaska.
According to reporting from Alaska Public Media, Helsel had traveled to Alaska to work for Pitts and hoped to eventually pursue an assistant guide license while also considering a future in youth ministry.
Helsel was one of six children raised in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. His family remembered his interests in hunting, fishing and cross-country running, as well as his involvement in youth ministry.
A funeral-home obituary confirms that Helsel died unexpectedly on September 17, 2026, at age 18. Funeral arrangements were still pending when the obituary was published.
What Happened to the Plane?
The Piper Cub crashed shortly after taking off from a remote dirt airstrip near Snag Creek, in the Wrangell Mountains area.
The crash site was located roughly 50 miles east or southeast of Nabesna, depending on the location description used by investigators and local reports. Alaska State Troopers received a report of the crash at approximately 7:51 p.m. on September 17.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash. Investigators had not identified a cause in the initial reports, and there were no eyewitnesses to the accident.
Cabot Pitts and Connor Helsel Death Details
| Detail | Cabot Pitts | Connor Helsel |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 42 | 18 |
| Residence | Palmer, Alaska | Lake City, Michigan |
| Date of death | September 17, 2026 | September 17, 2026 |
| Incident | Alaska plane crash | Alaska plane crash |
| Aircraft | Piper Cub | Piper Cub |
| Role | Pilot | Passenger |
| Crash area | Near Snag Creek, Wrangell Mountains | Near Snag Creek, Wrangell Mountains |
| Occupation/background | Hunting guide and outfitter | Worked in Alaska’s hunting industry |
| Family | Husband and father | Son of Herb and Courtney Helsel |
| Cause of death | Fatal injuries from plane crash | Fatal injuries from plane crash |
| Investigation | NTSB investigation ongoing | NTSB investigation ongoing |
Families Remember Two Lives Lost
In the days following the crash, family members and people who knew both men began remembering them for their lives and interests rather than solely for the circumstances of their deaths.
Helsel’s family spoke about his faith, determination and enthusiasm for Alaska. His father recalled how his son continued pushing through difficult experiences while working in the backcountry.
Pitts was remembered by clients and colleagues who had worked with him in Alaska’s wilderness and hunting community.
The crash has left two families grieving while investigators work to determine what caused the Piper Cub to go down.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information released by Alaska State Troopers, the National Transportation Safety Board and published obituary and local reporting concerning the September 17, 2026, plane crash. The cause of the crash had not been established in the latest reports reviewed. Any additional findings may change as the investigation continues.