Flying Wild Alaska: What Happened, Where and Why.

[@ProbableCause-DanGryder]

The video is meant as a tribute and to provide some answers to those that cannot make sense of it as it was. The exact location and type of engine doesn’t really matter. Flying wild Alaska is “wild” and comes with constant risks and danger. Jim crashed another plane in 2007 and broke his neck. The aircraft “was witnessed taking off but not climbing and then crashing,” Jim was 68 and when he took off - he did not know that it would be his last takeoff. This video intended to shed some light on what the situation was, what the mission was, where they were and where they ended up. Early reports said he was dropping someone off. I will monitor info as it becomes available and update if it becomes relevant. Right now all we know is that Jim was flying and his plane didn’t gain altitude.

[@rayphillips6951]

Note picture of airplane at the 6:09 mark. It has a 3 blade prop vs other pictures with a two blade prop. Is the three blade prop part of the HP increase conversion?

[@ProbableCause-DanGryder]

@@johnbaskett2309Waiting for your KZbin report to do it right.

[@astircalix4126]

My Best Guess is a bird strike during the climbing.

[@rogerkober9836]

There’s the Feds taking too long to do the job and then there’s people who think they know everything. Common sense is found in the middle.

[@WarblesOnALot]

G'day Dan, There's a lot of people asserting the Engine to be the upgraded 550 Hp variety (?) ; with photographic evidence of the Tweto C-180 featuring a 3-bladed Airscrew..., as fitted to the Big Motor C-180s... Are they old Snapshots, of a different Aircraft to the one which pranged ? Whyfore the two versions of which Motor failed to induce Successful Levitation ? And, Not only but also... Is the Meat from a Dead Bear..., considered Such a Delicacy as to be worth Crossing the Road to try eating...; Let alone risking an Outlanding and an Overloaded Take-Off Attempt...; Apparently pointed into the Wind - which was coming over and down the Slope of the Ridge at the end of the Flattish, Smoothish Levelish "Impromotu Runway"...? In other words, For a feed of Bearmeat... They tried to take off and Climb out Through an Orographic Downdraft....? What a Slope Soaring Rogallo, Paraglider, or Sailplane Pilot would call a "ROTOR"...? The sort of Topography-generated patches of "Sink" which are Suicidal to attempt to Outclimb while flying Towards the High Ground....? Why would they do That ? Ask Coulsons, Perhaps...; Referencing a certain C-130 shaped burn-scar, On a Ridge in the Snowy Mountains ; near Cooma.... They'll Probably know a bit about Rotors, By now...; Nae Doubt...(?) ! Such is life, Have a good one... Stay safe. ;-p Ciao !

[@GentleResponseLLC]

Flying Wild Alaska was, and is, the only reality TV I would bother to watch, loved it. This one kicked me in the gut. RIP Jim.

[@drwmtairync]

I feel the same! Had to go back and watch several episodes. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for his family and friends.

[@kwantoon]

I hate reality shows, but I watched this one religiously. I felt gutted when I read the news of what happened, and it still doesn't seem real. My thoughts and prayers are with their families

[@flyer5769]

They didn't show anything of what really happened there.

[@Maxx1066]

They a bit of brighness in the dull world of reality shows a very tight knit family may they rest in peace.

[@MrSrtman18]

He had a dry sense of humor, he was funny. Loved his family to death, and its hard to believe Jim of all people would ever crash much less die. I guess if you are a bush pilot, youre a rare breed, so many variables always to calculate. RIP Jim. I hope Ferno and the girls make it ok. Im so sorry ladies.

[@tymcfadden8496]

I owe my life to an Alaskan bush pilot, who's name I will never know, might be this guy, probably isn't, who knows. 35 years ago I was working on a processing ship as an assistant engineer when I was badly burned in an engine explosion off the southwestern coast of Kodiak Island. The weather was shit as you can imagine and the captain managed to limp us into Old Harbor which is a tiny fishing village with literally no medical facilities beyond a little clinic, directly across the island from the city of Kodiak , where there is an airport that i could get on a jet to fly me to Anchorage and a well equipped burn unit. The problem was the only way to get there from where I was stuck was for a bush pilot to come get me and fly me over the island to Kodiak. It took three days for the weather to clear enough for a guy to try. He came in and picked me up and boy was that a ride to remember. It was foggy, raining, windy, cloudy, piss poor flying weather, and it seemed we were a few hundred feet off the ground at all times, flying between mountains. He was literally flying from valley to valley trying to stay under the clouds and above the ground, lol. I am not ashamed to admit I was not comfortable with my situation. But he got me to where I needed to be, damn fine pilot in my humble opinion. whoever you are, wherever you are, thank you for risking it all to save my sorry ass that day, you will always be a hero in my book.

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

Nice story. Thanks for posting and glad you survived,hopefully with few scars

[@tymcfadden8496]

@@arthurbrumagem3844 actually healed up really well, just one little silver dollar sized area on my right inner forearm that is all discolored and wrinkly. the rehab was hell tho, three times a day for 6 weeks I had to see a physical therapist who worked to keep the skin from regrowing too tightly. that was extremely painful. The whole series of events, from the initial explosion, to being stuck in a tiny Alaskan fishing village for three days with no pain meds, to the flight across the island and finally getting to a proper hospital and undergoing treatment to the rehab and healing, was an experience that profoundly changed me as a person.

[@Bywater-S]

All the seasoned bush pilots here have all at some point in time flown into/through/around/sideways or anyway they made it work due to weather. Our weather here turns to crap back to sunny back to crap and etc all in short amounts of time. Not much difference between here or other areas, countries like Canada. Jim was one hell of a pilot. I can even guess to the amount of time he had on the logs but I’m sure it’s more then a lot of captains, First Officers piloting your next commercial flight. So if I had my choices it would always be with Jim. Being he had his flight charter business in Unalakleet, I’d think he’d not ventured far from the southern part of the state. Especially out there where you were, in Dutch I believe you said. You was one heck of a hard worker to be out that way on a processor plant. I’d never be able to do it or even live near Dutch for that reason alone. Jim did fly up to Prudhoe Bay and pick some of us up and take out to remote areas, ANWR and other areas with our gear, drop us off and come back a few days later. I worked for a seismic company and we charted various amounts, types of crude and how deep it was. Of course we never was allowed to dig any dirt or disturb as little of the tundra we were allowed. Any ways, whomever the pilot was that brought you out of Dutch to Kodiak Island was no doubts another experienced pilot. I’m thinking more along the lines of a commercial pilot with hella experience. We have more airplanes up here then there are cars. You basically need a plane to get to our cabins or whatever since we’ve very few roadways here. Or at least drivable ones. Haha Certainly glad you got the help needed and Providence Hospital here in Anchorage is a great facility for all kinds of medical emergencies. We used to have to fly to Seattle for many minor reasons. So technology has been catching up. Again certainly glad to hear you’ve recovered from your accident. Never a good place to get hurt. But the money is good. Lol

[@tymcfadden8496]

@@Bywater-S Howdy Alaskan, thanks for your comment. I joined that ship's crew out past Dutch, but we were 30 miles SW of Kodiak when the accident happened, and the captain made the decision to limp to Old Harbor. A lot of the details immediately after the accident remain a bit fuzzy, I think I was in shock, but I do remember that we almost didn't make it even that far as we were on one main engine instead of two and fighting 30 foot sees in what was essentially a V-bottom WW2 missel carrier hull converted to a flat bottom barge. It certainly is tough work out there, but I was an assistant engineer and my duties thankfully were limited to keeping the machinery running. Sisters of Providence was the hospital I ended up at, and I got top notch care. I had to stay at the hostel they have there for 8 weeks while my burns healed and for rehab, then I flew back home to Seattle. I'm a life long Seattle resident and have had the opportunity to travel back up to Alaska several times since that job on the processor to do repairs on some other vessels. been out to Dutch twice since. Man, that flight into Dutch in a 737 is something else, lol. retired now and enjoying life. Take care brother!

[@waltercrockett7337]

No

[@michaelrocker9000]

i watched every episode. I had a crush on his daughter Ariel Tweto. I was so happy for her when she got her pilots license. Jim seemed like a good man and never stopped Ariel from reaching her dreams. RIP Jim.

[@SouthCarolinaScubaDiving]

Dan, His 180 had an upgraded IO550 with a 3 bladed prop. He covered this conversion in an episode of Flying Wild Alaska.

[@David-vf9de]

Dan...I owned a Cessna 180H just like this for 22 years. I put over 5000 hours on it. I'll share a couple of things with you. With me solo, full fuel, and short take off field technique, standard O470, I could get up on pavement in 300 ft. Gross weight was 2800lbs. In dirt or grass, I could get up in 500 feet. Load the airplane to max gross and even on dirt or grass I could get up in 600ft. The C 180 is a beast for exactly what they were doing. I am not completely sure, but I read that this C180 had upgraded the engine to an IO550 which would have given in a 70HP increase. Running 15% over gross on this model is not an issue. Cessna certified the same airfram a couple of years later to 3100 instead of 2800. Cessna did not want to go back and go through the expense to have the earlier models updated with the FAA to 3100. A big effort, big expense, with zero payback for Cessna. With full fuel he should have been well inside the 3100lb gross. He should have had nearly 1100 lbs of available payload. Two guys at 250 leaves 600lbs for bear and gear....I dunno, only time will tell, but I wouldn't be so sure he was overloaded. If he has the IO550 which has been reported, the should have been able to get up easily at full gross within 1000ft and climbing at 1000ft a minute. With his experience, it is a little unlikely in my opinion he made a takeoff calculation error. Again time will tell. Love your reports and views, but not sure the speculation on this one is going to be correct. RIP to all involved.

[@ProbableCause-DanGryder]

So you’ve speculated that he did everything right I guess. You can speculate but I can’t?

[@David-vf9de]

@@ProbableCause-DanGryder No not at all. I'm just saying my speculation is different than yours. I watch nearly everything you publish and admire your expertise which is orders of magnitude better than mine. That said Cessna's final GW on this plane was 3600lbs on the same airframe he was flying. The Cessna 180 has a very forward CG. In my plane solo, full fuel, I would be slightly forward CG. I carried weight in the tail to stay in CG. Putting 600-800 lbs in the rear seat back to the extended baggage would not take it out of CG or it's ability to climb at 800-1000ft at SL. I think something happened....again just my speculation..engine, health, strike, etc. He was too experienced to get in a situation he couldn't get out of in my opinion. Dont take my view point in anyway as disrespecting the incredible expertise you share with all of us.

[@ProbableCause-DanGryder]

Thanks, I used to work the VE3 and VE7 stations late night on 7.125 or so CW. This video was intended to shed some light on where they were and what they were trying to do. He tried to make it work right up to the point where it could not work. I’m sorry but there’s going to be some ADM in here.

[@mariolozano795]

My brother flew with Jim Twito, hundreds of times and Jim was so kind to allow my brother and a group of guys to use his cabin as a midpoint when hunting caribou in March. Jim was a great guy!

[@demoking1422]

I loved the show and I loved watching Jim do things I never thought were possible , I was sad when the show quit airing and often wondered where he was flying today Today I came across the sad news . RIP Jim Tweto you were a great Airman .

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

It was a surprise to hear of the crash and it’s circumstances. The update is appreciated. I know you will follow up whenever the investigation is complete. Well done and very respectful Dan.

[@120alaska]

Jim was a good man and an amazing pilot. I've flown with him under charter service before to work in remote villages and he was always careful loading the plane and also flying. Gonna miss him for sure. Nice dude we lost...

[@Bywater-S]

I’ve had the same experience’s with him.

[@jypsyjewels2854]

Dan Gryder you are a force of nature. I found you because of D.B. Cooper but I stuck around because you're one of the most interesting and compelling people on KZbin. Thanks for everything you do.

[@ProbableCause-DanGryder]

I’m not that great. My people said you don’t get out much.😊😊

[@redlywaxer]

Our thoughts and prayers for the families of these guys. Seems like this tragedy could have been prevented.

[@hoosierplowboy5299]

So sorry to lose Jim Tweto. I watched him and Ariel and the family years ago on their tv show. Condolences to both families on their loss...😔🙏

[@dj3114]

Yes, I remember an episode where Ferno rode with him to check some cabins. On the way, she was just staring at him and smiling broadly. When he noticed, he laughed with her. That's how I choose to remember.

[@taildragger353]

Yes, this is a tough one. Watched his show many times. I discovered weight & balance the hard way in my early flying career, some 45 years ago. Not a good feeling when you're out of runway and the airplane won't climb. The only thing that saved me was the fact I was flying out of a strip in the desert with no mountains or trees. RIP

[@CandyGirl44]

Bear hunting - plane crash. Seems fair to me.

[@maxflight777]

31 years ago I almost lost my life in a 160HP Warrior. I was in the back seat, three friends, including the aircraft owner. Three of us were ATPL’s. Fuel and balance all valid. The snag was the aircraft prop (fixed pitch) was elderly and a little degraded. Our climb out to the West of Compton Abbas (U.K.) took forever and we were far too close to the trees. I’ve since learned from that… A safe outcome has to be assured. Thanks for posing these videos Dan.

[@La_Rougarou]

DANGIT DAN !!! The song with the info just made me cry. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES!!! 🙏

[@Pilotc180]

Jims 180 had a IO520, 3 Blade 88” McCauley prop, wing extensions, and vortex generators, 31” Bushwheels; it was an ideal bush plane

[@carlosdanger2586]

I agree with you on the engine upgrade I think they did that during the show

[@Cotz95]

I remember that from the show also. I’ve been trying to dig up the clip

[@carlosdanger2586]

It may have been toward the end of the next to last season

[@rockrv9a219]

@@carlosdanger2586 It was 2nd season episode 7 and 8

[@sstearns2]

I remember on the show that Jim had an upgraded engine put on the 180. I think it was the p ponk conversion. Hard to imagine a p ponk’d 180 not being able to get off and climb near sea level. I think there is more to this story yet to come. Fate is the hunter. RIP my brother, you lived the dream.

[@nashguy207]

I am sorry for the families and their loses. I am pretty sure Jim's 180 was not stock. On the show I remember him taking it somewhere and had a new turbo charged engine put in it' We are praying for the families during this sad time. Jim was an experienced and skilled pilot.

[@tomtheplummer7322]

Blancolirio said it was a larger engine with 300 hp or so.

[@Mash4096]

Yes. In the TV show, he talked multiple times about his engine upgrade on the C180. I don't believe it was the stock engine anymore.

[@highball7347]

Unfortunately he did not use that experience and skill this day. Age and airplanes don’t mix.

[@loribelhumeur8017]

exactly - Season 2, Episode 9 Breakup is when he upgraded his engine in the 180. That was December of 2011.

[@lloydsnauwaert5380]

I remember it this way as well. I believe Jim's 180 was upgraded to the IO-540 and if you look at the picture at 6:08 of this video the aircraft is equipped with a 3 blade prop which is consistent with this upgrade. That said, a sad day and my condolences to both families.

[@lyndan08]

I think you’re spot on here Dan. Regardless of a (possibly) more powerful engine the wing still has its limits and physics prevailed. Rip Jim. A legend.

[@OldStreetDoc]

This was an especially painful one. I never had the opportunity to see much of their show, and I’d only become aware of the Tweto family by seeing Ariel Tweto appear on the Craig Ferguson Show years ago. I may be wrong here but I think Ariel is Jim’s niece. (?) Ariel would come on to promote their show, the family’s love of bush flying and to talk about the good work they’re involved in in their small community. She was so infectiously adorable on his show that he had her back as often as she could make it to LA. And being the bubbly & hilarious sweetheart of a girl that she is, I quickly became an admirer & fan of her’s, and then to the entire Tweto family. To a person, they seemed to be some of the most genuinely ‘good’ folks you could hope to encounter. Now it’s heartbreaking to know of the loss they’ve suffered. Losses like this are always tragic, and certainly NO one deserves to have something like this happen to their family. But once in a while when something like this happens to what you believe to be a truly good family… it just feels especially & exceptionally cruel. Our family offers the Tweto’s our sincerest condolences, along with our prayers that He might deliver grace and comfort to Jim’s family, and their entire community tonight. Thank you for the updates, Mr Gryder. And, for the good works that ‘you’ do as well. Be safe out/up there, be well, and God bless you, Dan. -best

[@dwaynemcallister7231]

Daughter

[@OldStreetDoc]

@@dwaynemcallister7231 Ohh, man… that’s even a heavier loss to bear. Thank you, sir.

[@skyepilotte11]

Thank you Dan for the memorial to Jim and friend...condolences to the families.

[@mikercflyer7383]

Condolences to the families. I used to watch Flying Wild Alaska it was a fun show. Both men will be missed.

[@Mgp-Rc]

A very sad loss. I remember watching their show and how bubbly and full of life ariel is and how down to earth Jim and his wife were on the show. ALL good people. Blue skies forever.

[@michaelmartinez1345]

Thank you Dan for that update... An incredibly sad story of that man and his daughter, perishing in that tragic event... May both of them ride on the Happy trails in heaven... Condolences are definitely sent to his wife... God bless her, in this very hard time...

[@jordancoleman2402]

Amazing pilot with an amazing family ❤️ thoughts and prayers are with them all 🙏❤️

[@chrisnedbalek2866]

So darn sad. Such a beautiful family. Such a great guy. Such a great pilot. This is tough. We all watched his show.

[@dens9057]

Hard pill to swallow loved the show and the family of people that worked there.

[@doctordave4247]

My sincere condolences and prayers for the families involved. These two fine gentlemen have their wings now supplied by the father above. I just wish they had not been taken so soon. RIP.

[@waynejh]

Dan, I specifically remember an episode where Jim talked about an engine upgrade. It’s been a few years since I’ve seen it. I’d have to search all the seasons to find it. But in the first picture of the plane, you see a two bladed prop and blue spinner. The second picture with Jim and that guy, shows the new three blade prop and chrome spinner. Not to poke a stick in your spokes but it would matter in Jim’s actual calculations for useable load. Wouldn’t surprise me if limits were pushed and temp, pressure, humidity, and density altitude readings fell outside safe perimeters. I used to worry about my late uncle with his Pitts S2-C and the air shows. He had a 0 clearance and thus once landed it upside down (during a show) and walked away. Guys can get to thinking they “know the airplane” and get complacent or too close to the edge.

[@rogern5368]

I also followed Flying Wild Alaska and I indeed remember the airplane in multiple episodes being in for an engine change and I recall it was suppose to be upgraded. It was featured in multiple episodes from beginning to end and even the test flight. R. I. P. Jim & Shane ! Condolences to all the families of these aviators.

[@socalfun64]

I can’t understand Dans lack of easy research on this.

[@joephysics5469]

Juan Brown reported that he had the engine upgrade.

[@tymcfadden8496]

@@joephysics5469 ya, I saw that vid too.

[@jimj5224]

That's when the 3 blade prop was added too !

[@billw6]

I remember in one of the Flying Wild Alaska shows where Jim Tweto had his Cessna 180 engine upgraded.... So it was out of commission for a while and when he received it back, he had one of those wonderful smiles on his face like he had many times on the show when he took delivery of the newly upgraded 180

[@tonyradmilovich3154]

Just another two cents worth of comment from an old enginebuilder... You wouldn't need a complete engine failure to cause this tragic situation. As I understand it from Juan Brown, a C-180 with the kind of HP that Jim's plane had would be very difficult to put overweight and it is pretty hard to imagine Jim doing that in the first place. Anyway, he was probably pushing the envelope somewhat to get out of that location and was relying on all of his "horses" to be there for him. There are any number of things short of catastrophic failure that could have reduced the engine's output enough to prevent the plane from climbing out as expected. I believe the best hope of finding the cause of this tragedy lies in a teardown of the engine. Hopefully it is intact enough to give up its secrets.

[@chrislovett6120]

Juan also stated he had a 300 horsepower 550 where this channel says 240🤷‍♂️

[@RustyStringz]

Hot air.. It's not cold in Alaska in the summer. Simply miscalculated the load vs the air temperature, would be my guess.

[@tonyradmilovich3154]

@@RustyStringz Just one of many possibilities.

[@PNW_Car_Mods]

Terrible news. RIP to both of them. May the stink flipper be with you! Man, I loved that show!

[@GeorgeandCharlie]

As an pilot with over twenty years of Alaska flying experience, being someone who has met Jim, who has owned a 180 and currently owns a 185, your report is incredibly speculative. First, I believe Jim's 180 has a 520 or 550, and looking at what the FAA reports for an engine is hardly conclusive. Is there a mechanism for even reporting engine changes? How do you know there wasn't an engine issue or if the 470, he didn't get carb ice? Do you have reason to believe he was over gross -- a black bear hide and skull, two people and a camp is not a heavy load for a Skywagon. Waiting for additional info on load, the weather at the strip, a possible airframe problem or even pilot incapacitation before proclaiming Jim was simply over gross seems prudent.

[@ProbableCause-DanGryder]

I didn’t do the math. I simply said where he was and what the scenario was. Original media said he flew in and dropped off one. That wasn’t true. He tried to come out and witness did NOT say engine failure. Just failed to gain altitude. Take that however you want. I think I got the location and scenario very accurate x. It was all news to me. The type engine just deepens the mystery on why the data base never got changed.

[@rationalist47]

Thanks for your input. I am always suspicious of Gryder's know it all attitude and his defensive reaction to the slightest criticism, even when he is just guessing himself.

[@jamesward6503]

Hot day, heavy load, short strip. My bet is still on an airframe or powerplant failure.

[@shakey2634]

Dans channel is called “probable” cause for a reason. Generally, in this industry, we take a measured approach and list the possible causes and scientifically eliminate them till we have the cause. Dan doesn’t bother with that time consuming process. We all have our speculations, Dan just says his out loud, with confidence and yes, he is a little touchy if you question his opinion. There are other channels that do a better job of sticking to the scientific method if you like, but again, that does require patience.

[@GeorgeandCharlie]

Dan starts his video by saying how much research he has done. In about 30 seconds, I called a friend who reminded me Jim discussed installing a larger 520 engine on one of the last episodes of Flying Wild Alaska. Also, that Jim’s plane has Wing X wing extensions which increase the legal gross weight. There is also discussion of a “short” 2,500 strip being used. People who understand Skywagon off airport operations know a good driver like Jim routinely operates in 600-800 feet with a load and less lightly loaded. 2,500 feet is practically a Caravan strip - if even a heavy 470 powered 180 can’t get off or abort on that long a strip, something is seriously wrong. Speculation is common after a crash, but informed speculation is even better.

[@dougkathydavies3024]

It's really hard to understand how Jim, who has likely flown hunters in and out of the Alaskan wilderness hundreds of times, could have gotten it wrong with the weight and balance. So sorry he's gone.

[@socalfun64]

Hundreds? More like Thousands over 45 years I’m sure.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

Even the great ones sometimes mess up. If a proven test pilot like Scott Crossfield can crash. I suppose anybody can?

[@versomayor5517]

@@WALTERBROADDUS Dale Snodgrass??

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

@@versomayor5517 Paul Mantz.🤷🏽‍♂️ Steve Fossett. Great Pilots can have bad days I guess?

[@kmg501]

I don't know anything but I have to ask. Wouldn't the hunters have a scale to hang the meat on so they could give a accurate weight to a pilot? If not that is one significant mistake right there. If they had a weight, did they or would they lie about it? If they didn't have a scale would it not be up to the responsibility of the pilot to assess weight via his own scale?

[@robertscranton8293]

Nice job Dan..Alaska is..and has always been...a very dangerous place for private planes...Did I say Thank You Dan...well there it is.

[@eugeneweaver3199]

My condolences to the families and friends. Very sad situation. Thank you, Dan, for this video. Your tribute is very touching. 😢

[@chrishowell9499]

Dan love all the work you do. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and perspectives. As to the engine upgrade. When the TV Show was on air. Jim did an engine upgrade to his 180 and upgraded the prop from a 2 to a 3 blade. It was so long ago I don't recall the details to the upgrade. I do recall Jim talking about the extra weight in the front of the aircraft changing the CG and the risks to nosing over. In episodes previous to the engine upgrade it was quite frequent that Jim would challenge the take-off weight packing out gear for his clients, which was why he did the engine swap. Just thought I would share this as to why some have stated the upgrade even if it wasn't documented correctly. Prayers for all that Mr. Tweto And Mr. Reynolds have left behind.

[@camiwilliamson9411]

RIP Shane! We love you and will miss you!! So many memories from childhood! We love you Gina and Juliet

[@ccpperrett7522]

Condolences to their families, friends, co-workers, and community. Unfortunately, overloaded airplanes aren't uncommon in Alaska. RIP❤

[@bodystomp5302]

There was an episode of FWA that featured Jim’s engine upgrade. At 6:12 in this video the picture shows Jim with another guy, and his plane behind them with a 3 blade prop.

[@gilanderson3923]

Very nice tribute to these two men.

[@BlackwaterBud]

Great report of an aweful story. Lovely tribute, Dan.

[@danimal0921]

Thank you, Dan, for this very thoughtful and tasteful tribute. You, my friend, are a true class act.

[@TheGlobalTravelr]

What a terrible loss…Our condolences to the families of Jim n Shane. 😢

[@micamp45hc99]

Great information and tribute Dan. Rest in peace fellas. God Speed.

[@Dan-ez6dr]

Thanks Dan for this report. Very respectful and well researched as always. RIP Jim and Shane

[@blackcougar1959]

RIP. Beautiful tribute at the end, Dan. Thank you.

[@davidd6635]

Sad to hear of this. RIP to Jim and Shane, and comfort to families and friends. Such experienced pilots too often something simple catches up. Possibly a cargo shift aft, or tiedowns failed and reminds me of similar loss of Dale Snort Snodgrass. Sickening result whatever the cause. Thanks Dan for your efforts.

[@justinhaase8825]

Like old school journalism, the folks on the ground who are knowledgeable and experienced know the most. Dan excels at talking the talk of those people experienced but seeking out the reality and on the ground facts.

[@camiwilliamson9411]

My cousin was Shane's wife. Thank you for doing this.

[@MarkSmith-js2pu]

I enjoyed that family very much. I hurt with them. Godspeed.

[@ricklowers8873]

First, my condolences to the families & friends of these two men. Secondly, such a sad reminder that no matter our experience or skill level; this could happen to ANY of us. May God bless & keep all until his return.

[@JustSlingIt]

Back during the original show. That plane was updated with a larger engine.

[@Semsdoyle]

Very nice tribute. Blue skies and tail winds guys.

[@tomwilliam5118]

That was an awesome tribute to them and their families

[@FlyingWildAZ]

I was just floored when I heard of Jim's crash and passing. Absolutely terrible. I was obviously very inspired by the TV show as I named my company after it. My heart goes out to both families. You are in our prayers.

[@tonyradmilovich3154]

Just an FYI... I'm not casting any doubt on your knowledge of engine models, but as I recall from the FWA episodes where Jim described the engine upgrade, I'm pretty sure he said that the new powerplant was 300hp which caught my attention because a shirt-tail relation of mine had swapped the stock 260hp engine in his Pitts S2C for a Continental O-300 and I figured Jim was going to have a hotrod on his hands. Do forgive me if I got this wrong.

[@alantoon5708]

Just did some research on bears. In that part of Alaska, black bears average around 254 pounds, although they can go up to over 500 pounds; If it is a brown bear, which are bigger, average 478 pounds but can go to over 1,000 pounds. Wonder if it was weighed when it was taken?

[@charlesnash2748]

Your weights are for the entire animal. A good sized brown bear dressed out and butchered with the head and the hide could have weighed 500-600 lbs. The pilot (Jim) and the passenger probably weighed 420 +/- for a total of say 1000 pounds. The fuel, if full, was about another 300 pounds.

[@vowxhing]

Unpopular opinion but if this is what happened, good for the bear

[@charlesnash2748]

With all due respect, you are an asshole. Jim Tweto took hundreds of people from small Alaska villages to "town" for medical treatments and procedures which saved or extended their life. Hunting is only a small part of bush flying in Alaska. Obviously, you don't care about native people and rural Alaska. You suck!

[@rossilake218]

That Really Sucks! Liked the guy, a lot like me. Watched the show a million times. Condolences to both Families. My dream to Fly around Alaska some day.

[@Lottahops]

I am so sorry to hear of this tragic event, my heartfelt condolences go out to the Tweto family and the Reynolds' family. I am so sorry.

[@jerryogstad]

Thank you Dan iam also a did a lot of flying in Alaska This just made me sick !!!! thanks again for amazing Grace that is the only thing that counts my prayers for the family may GOD be with them

[@mikebates4815]

This is my favorite show. I'm saddened to hear Jim died. My prayers to his family and friends.

[@mykofreder1682]

There was a river to go down to gain speed, it also was rough terrain and you can only guess at possible obstacles.

[@David12005]

You analysis is outstanding. Great channel - thanks.

[@stephenpugh3507]

Such a tragedy for both families, my deepest condolences. It was only a day ago I watched a rerun of the program where Jim was going to call it a day and hand it over to a bigger company. May they both rest in peace ❤

[@rickbrandt9559]

episode on Flying Wild AK ,stated/ showed an engine upgrade of some sort, best ask Ariel

[@clvskl5058]

We used to watch the family program years ago in the UK how sad , Thank you Mr Gryder

[@jeffjordan3806]

R.I.P. Jim. He died doing what he loved. I hope people can say that about me.

[@behindthespotlight7983]

We can feel the hole torn through those pictures of the families. Man that younger couple looked so happy. Friggin heartbreaker. They’re all sad but this one hits hard. Dan I’m an early subscriber and whereas it may not always be appropriate I’d like to suggest you play more often on your videos. Even just brief intro/outro originals would be great.

[@johnkusian2947]

Condolences. However my 182 has an IO-470 as per STC. The registration still shows O-470 so maybe N91361 did have an upgraded engine

[@bcgrittner8076]

Indeed it did. I don’t remember the specifics of that engine swap, but Jim commented that it added 40 pounds to the plane.

[@marktinsley8002]

Your buddy Blanco is reporting it was a IO 550 conversion. Probably wasn’t a stock 180 but I’m sure it will be clarified. Either way a tragedy for the families and the aviation community. Thanks Dan for what you do.

[@jamesbromstead4949]

The conversation was documented in the TV series the Tweto's were associated with 10 years ago. That's why the newest pictures of the C-180 have the 3 bladed prop.

[@loribelhumeur8017]

yes he converted it in December 2011 to the IO550 and the 3 blade variable pitch prop

[@ronjones1077]

I lived in Unalakleet a few years before Jim move red there. Before that I lived in Moses Point, an FAA staition a couple miles from Elim. Alaska Airlines lost a jet at Unalakleet in the early 70’s as I recall. Also there was an Air Force DEW line facility on top of a small mountain just north of Unalakleet. I was in high school then.

[@ricvis44]

Beautiful rendition! ❤✝️

[@sidallen685]

A terrible reminder to never take anything for granted. Rip gentlemen.

[@caperguy2000]

I only watch the show yet I feel like alost great friend condolences to the families

[@barryhoneycutt3894]

Very sad... ty Dan for all you do, helping others not to make the same mistakes that takes lives. Hats off to you sir. I will again support when i can.. :) from SE Texas Bear

[@Bill23799]

Thank you for offering this clarity sir.

[@Capt_Ron]

Thank you, Dan… and for acknowledging Heaven with that song. ❤

[@tomscott3939]

thanks for the feed back RIP

[@Razorback68]

Prayers and condolences to their families.

[@kens.3729]

R.I.P. Jim Tweto and Shane Reynolds. 🙏

[@777rogerf]

The news of Jim's passing will remind large numbers of Alaskans and other viewers of the family TV show through which we got to know quite a lot about Jim and his fun and lovable family. Through Ariel we learned of the challenges, sometimes heartbreaking, facing people in the more remote villages. Some native youths really need more air travel to improve their education and ease their isolation. I benefitted greatly from going away to a boarding school at age 14, but I would go home by car every weekend. Some native youths need such an opportunity, but most would need to fly from Anchorage to their home villages on weekends, weather permitting A combination of public and private foundation funding would hopefully make this possible.

[@amfwelsh]

I didn’t know Jim personally but as you said he was a very experienced Pilot and a great lovely family behind him. Terrible news. RIP

[@alvinuselton912]

I could have listened to that for hours ❤️🙏❤️🎸🎯

[@GlideYNRG]

Very sad loss. Unfortunately, aviation has proven time and time again that it doesn't care how "experienced" we are. It will take us in a heartbeat. Deepest condolences to all involved. 😢

[@RealMav1]

Ariel ……. I am sincerely sorry for your loss and your heartbreak at the loss of your beloved father, my heart is broken for you.

[@thomream1888]

Thank you Dan, that was nice. Sweet words for two sweet men. And prayers for two broken-hearted families. Lest we forget that while flying can be exciting, fun and employment just a moment of inattention, a slight math error or a minor miscalculation can have tragic results. The Laws of Nature cannot be taken lightly, lest they bite thine booty. Please fly safely. Your family needs you. Fair Flight West, Friends.

[@tonydeaton1967]

I watched this show. What a crying shame to lose Jim Tweto and his passenger. My thoughts are with his family. RIP Jim Tweto.

[@gostaharlin]

We had something like this in northen Sweden some years ago. A Cessna on floats loaded with moose beef crashed during take off due to the load slipping backwards (fresch beef is slippery!) making the aircraft to tail heavy.

[@flywiseman]

It was not a stock engine. They had a show involving the upgrade to 300+ HP

[@martianvideo]

I'm sure Dan know's best tho!

[@rfritchman]

Three-bladed prop suggests the bigger engine (which has the power to turn that prop).

[@ProbableCause-DanGryder]

I said I didn’t know. All I can go by is what the data base shows. Nobody knew anything about an upgraded engine but it’s certainly possible. Even so, the bigger engine reduces useful load as it’s heavier. The bigger engine makes more thrust but max gross weight limit is still the same

[@alantoon5708]

Juan Browne stated that the plane had the engine upgrade. In this case it did not matter. Sad.

[@flywiseman]

@@ProbableCause-DanGryder , So, i didnt mean my comment to be derogatory, just stating the fact that they did a show on the conversion. Im sure your analysis is probably correct about being over weight. Your channel is full of good info as far as im concerned being that im just recently got back in the air after 10 years not flying. During My first go around the other day it was in the front of my mind to keep the nose down when i added full power. I learn a lot from your take on these accidents

[@johnkerr4645]

180s and 185s were used extensively in New Zealand and Australia on agricultural operations, some on spraying and a lot with a hopper installed carting solid fertiliser. They operated off rough back country airstrips and the MAUW (NZ AG) was 1624 kgs (3572 lbs) the load was from 10 cwt / 15 cwt (1680 lbs). These aircraft can certainly carry a good load, all things considered. NZ ag strips are quite often sited up on high hills and the aircraft sort of drops off the end, some are on flat paddocks though.

[@MickDickerson]

Wow, this is crazy, prayers to all involved. This is what we primarily flew in for CASARA, a Cessna 180, not sure full specs. And we used to laugh because the pilot and navigator were like two big bears in front with 125lb me in the back Spotting. We always had enough fuel for our flight time, plus 20min, our Bingo time. But we were also always sure to be in our weight/balance envelope too. And because of our regulations, we also never pushed said envelope, pun intended. Hard to put a like on a video like this, so sad to hear. 😢💔

[@rjobrien7805]

Dan, I think you're right on it being a performance and loading issue but I think Jim had an engine upgrade on that 180. Monday morning quarterbacking but maybe it was a better mission for a turbo porter than a 180.

[@jamesolson9463]

Thanks for thisbpost really enjoyed there program

[@afterburner119]

Jenn just gave some great soundbites for you next videos. The Norfolk presentation, how the NTSB must be held accountable 😮😅.

[@robertzupanovich6349]

Awesome tribute to the family's. Thank you Dan,as an airline employee for 42yrs, accidents are very difficult to deal with Very sad ...God bless those 2 gentlemen 😇😇

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

Jim has been flying that plane for many years and I suspect he knew the limits of his plane. If he had to go back to pick up the guy left behind or even make a third trip he would have. If he would fly overloaded he would have died before this.

[@tissuepaper9962]

it's an open secret that everybody flies overloaded here. it's really not even a secret, the FAA allows 15% more gross weight here because they know they really can't stop people from flying overloaded, no matter what they do. you don't know Jim Tweto just because you watched his reality show,

[@socalfun64]

@@tissuepaper9962 True, but I trust Him to know the limitations of His plane that He flew for 40 years. He did not have a death wish.

[@tissuepaper9962]

@@socalfun64 when you weigh your cargo and measure your runway by eyeballing it, you are bound to fuck it up eventually. even with 40 years of experience, killing yourself with one bad judgement call is an occupational hazard of bush flying.

[@Bywater-S]

@@tissuepaper9962 we’ve more planes then cars and trucks in our state. Absolutely no way the FAA could catch or keep a handle on such a issue. Having to haul your moose etc, in from the bush, you are certainly going to be overweight to some degree. I e seen someone on here saying we should bring scales with us to weight our “cargo” before loading to insure we’re not overweight. Now just how funny that’s be to see that. You’d know they were from out a state!! Lol

[@flyinginak4824]

@@Bywater-Severy plane I fly in Bethel has a fish scale in it. We’re required to know the weights of everything in the plane

[@fhuber7507]

Bernoulli is a fractional explanation of lift. If the similarity to the Bernouli explanation of pressure change with flow rate was the only factor in how a wing works, no airplane today has the wing area for flight. The Bernoulli equation is based on a fluid in a CLOSED LOOP. Most appropriate to water in a circulating pipe system and using the formula to use pressure differential to measure flow rate. It gets used inappropriately quite often in reference to aerodynamics.

[@bigjohn2048]

Jim had that aircraft upgraded with the larger engine during the show Flying Wild Alaska .

[@deadfirefighter]

I’m wondering if it wasn’t just weight but if it got loaded too far out of CG and the balance contributed. I know these smaller planes aren’t as impacted but when I did air cargo there were some of the small plane pilots who were hyper focused on balance, especially if we loaded heavy. It’s really easy to get a loose loaded out of balance with just a little miscommunication.

[@yzaw4411]

A loose load or a out of COG will kill you faster than bad weather. Slow and no control...

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

My friends give me grief because I calculate W&B on most of my flights. I have the software which makes it easy so why not. Doesn’t take much to get a fore or aft issue.

[@deadfirefighter]

@@arthurbrumagem3844 I got promoted to the lead on the US Mail plane we worked because I could calculate it in my head faster than my boss could do it on a calculator. My brain doesn’t work that well anymore.

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

@@deadfirefighter 👍