The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released new preliminary findings into the fatal Alaska crash involving Michael , revealing the 51-year-old pilot was flying with a suspended commercial pilot certificate and an expired medical certificate before the accident.
Investigators said Grimes departed Yakutat on June 18 en route to Fairbanks, where he planned to begin work as a bush pilot. His Piper PA-20 later crashed into mountainous terrain about 44 miles southeast of Cordova under poor weather conditions.
The report states that Grimes had purchased approximately 60 gallons of automotive gasoline after aviation fuel was unavailable in Yakutat. Investigators are examining whether the aircraft was approved to use the fuel and whether it played any role in the accident.
Authorities also noted that the pilot departed without filing a flight plan or contacting air traffic control despite forecasts of low ceilings, drizzle, and instrument meteorological conditions along the route.
The aircraft was destroyed by a post-impact fire, and difficult terrain delayed investigators from reaching the wreckage. The NTSB says the investigation remains ongoing, with weather, fuel selection, pilot certification status, and operational decisions all under review before a final report is issued.
