Douglas DC-4 plane crashes into river outside Fairbanks, Alaska; not clear how many people on board

By The Associated Press on April 23, 2024.

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) – A Douglas DC-4 airplane crashed into the Tanana River near Fairbanks on Tuesday, Alaska State Troopers said.

It was not immediately known how many people were on board. The website http://www.airlines.net said standard passenger seating for a DC-4 was 44 during its heyday, but most have been converted to freighters.

Troopers said in a statement that people should avoid the area of the crash.

John Dougherty, a troopers spokesperson, did not answer questions and instead referred a reporter to the brief statement.

There was no immediate response to messages left with the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration.