Tragedy in Alaska: Beloved Bush Pilot James “Jim” Halvorsen Killed in Plane Crash Near Nanwalek
NANWALEK, AK — April 29, 2025
A close-knit aviation community is mourning the loss of one of its most experienced and respected members after a tragic plane crash on Monday afternoon claimed the life of James “Jim” Halvorsen, 58, of Homer. The single-engine aircraft went down near the remote village of Nanwalek on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, a rugged region known for its natural beauty — and its perilous flying conditions.
According to early reports, emergency services responded to the scene shortly after the crash was reported. Halvorsen, who was piloting the aircraft alone, was pronounced dead at the site. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the crash, which remains unknown at this time.
Halvorsen, a seasoned bush pilot with more than two decades of experience, was a fixture in Alaska’s tight-knit aviation circles. He had earned a reputation as a dependable flyer who routinely navigated some of the state’s most unforgiving terrain to deliver supplies, provide transportation, and support communities with limited access to road infrastructure.
“He was the guy everyone turned to when conditions got tough,” said Mark Ellison, a fellow pilot and longtime friend. “He didn’t just fly — he understood Alaska. He was part of the lifeline that keeps places like Nanwalek and other remote communities connected to the rest of the world.”
Nanwalek, located on the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula, is accessible primarily by air or water, making aviation an essential service for residents. Halvorsen’s passing has sent ripples of grief throughout the region, with community members, aviation professionals, and friends remembering him not only for his skills but for his generosity and deep connection to the land and its people.
“He knew every valley, every mountain pass — but more importantly, he knew the people,” said Sarah Thompson, who works at the Homer airport. “He flew with purpose, and he flew with heart.”
The wreckage of the aircraft, which reportedly crashed in a rugged area outside the village, is currently being examined by investigators. Weather conditions at the time of the crash have not been confirmed, but flying in Alaska often involves rapidly changing weather and minimal infrastructure, adding layers of complexity and risk.
The loss of Halvorsen highlights the challenges faced by bush pilots in Alaska — a profession built on courage, precision, and resilience. According to FAA data, bush flying remains one of the most dangerous forms of aviation in the U.S., with pilots regularly navigating mountainous terrain, short runways, and volatile weather patterns.
Tributes for Halvorsen have been pouring in across social media and local community pages, with many referring to him as a “guardian of the skies” and a mentor to younger pilots. Plans for a memorial service are underway, with details expected to be announced later this week by his family.
As the investigation continues, many are left grappling with the sudden loss of a man who dedicated his life to serving Alaska from the sky.
For those wishing to honor Jim Halvorsen’s legacy, his family has requested donations be made to aviation safety programs or organizations that support bush pilot training and community flight services in rural Alaska.
A sky once guided by his wings now remembers him in stillness.