Bush Pilot Star Jim Tweto Dies in Alaskan Plane Crash – Tragic end for Flying Wild Alaska Favorite
Renowned bush pilot and beloved star of Discovery’s Flying Wild Alaska series, Jim Tweto, tragically lost his life in a small plane crash near Shaktoolik, Alaska. The incident, which also claimed the life of passenger Shane Reynolds, occurred shortly after takeoff. Jim Tweto was 68 years old at the time of the accident.
News of Jim Tweto’s passing was confirmed by his daughter, Ariel, who shared a heartfelt message on Instagram. She expressed her profound grief, stating, I didn’t think anything could hurt this bad. He died doing what he truly loved and is now with uncle Ron up there soaring.
Details surrounding the crash were provided by the Alaska State Troopers. Tweto’s Cessa 180 encountered difficulties shortly after departing at approximately 11:48 a.m. The plane struggled to climb, ultimately resulting in a tragic crash. Shaktoolik, located on the coast, is situated east of Nome, over 100 miles away from the state capital. Both bodies have been recovered.
The Tweto family gained fame through their appearance on the Discovery series, Flying Wild Alaska, where they showcased their operations at Era Alaska airline and explored some of the most remote areas of the state. Following her time on the show, Ariel Tweto ventured into a successful voice acting career, recently lending her voice to the character Kima on Fox’s The Great North.
Expressing his heartfelt condolences, Discovery producer Christo Doyle shared a statement on social media. He described Jim Tweto as a Salt of the Earth guy who deeply loved his family, flying, and Alaska. Doyle added, He died doing what he loved. RIP, Jim.
Jim Tweto’s decision to move to Alaska came after residing in Kansas and Minnesota. His family’s participation in the Discovery show spanned three seasons, from January 2011 to July 2012. Flying Wild Alaska was part of a wave of Alaskan reality shows, including Alaskan Bush People, Gold Rush, and Bering Sea Gold.
The aviation community, as well as fans of Flying Wild Alaska, mourn the loss of Jim Tweto, bidding farewell to an exceptional pilot who brought the beauty and challenges of Alaska’s wilderness to screens around the world. His legacy will be remembered for his passion for flying and his indomitable spirit in the face of adversity.
