Tragedy in Dillingham: Beloved Wildlife Biologist John Landsiedel Killed in Plane Crash at Airport
DILLINGHAM, ALASKA — July 25, 2025 — A tragic aviation accident unfolded Friday morning at Dillingham Airport, claiming the life of 33-year-old John Landsiedel, a respected wildlife biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). The crash has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Bristol Bay community and Alaska’s broader conservation network, where Landsiedel was known for his passion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to protecting Alaska’s rich wildlife and natural resources.
According to officials, the fatal crash occurred shortly after 9 a.m. near the airport runway when the single-engine aircraft Landsiedel was piloting went down shortly after takeoff. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, but despite their efforts, Landsiedel was pronounced dead at the crash site.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently investigating the cause of the crash. Early reports suggest that mechanical issues or sudden wind shear may have played a role, though investigators have not confirmed any official cause at this time. ADF&G confirmed that Landsiedel was flying the aircraft alone and no other passengers or crew were on board.
A Life Devoted to Wildlife and Public Service
Originally from Montana, John Landsiedel moved to Alaska over a decade ago and quickly made a name for himself as a field biologist deeply invested in the conservation of bears, caribou, and salmon — species integral not just to Alaska’s ecosystem, but also to its identity and subsistence culture. In recent years, he became a central figure in various wildlife population studies and co-authored several published reports on ecological balance in the Bristol Bay region.
“John was more than just a colleague — he was a friend, a mentor, and a tireless advocate for the natural world,” said Diane Wilcox, regional supervisor with ADF&G. “His loss is a devastating blow to all of us who had the privilege of working beside him.”
In the days leading up to the crash, Landsiedel had been working on a bear-tagging and aerial survey project that required frequent short-haul flights across remote stretches of Southwest Alaska. Colleagues said he was meticulous, cautious, and extremely competent both in the field and in the air.
Community and State Mourn Profound Loss
Dillingham Mayor Alice Savo called Landsiedel’s death a tragedy that reaches far beyond city lines. “John wasn’t just a scientist — he was part of the Dillingham family,” she said. “He listened to our communities, worked with elders, and helped preserve the balance between our way of life and our land.”
Friends and coworkers gathered outside the Alaska Department of Fish and Game office on Friday evening for a spontaneous candlelight vigil. Many spoke through tears as they remembered Landsiedel’s unwavering optimism and his belief that humans and nature could coexist in harmony.
“He had a light about him,” said Eric Tallman, a fellow biologist who worked on aerial surveys with Landsiedel. “He wasn’t here for the paycheck. He was here for the mission. For the salmon. For the land. And for the people.”
Aviation Safety Remains a Challenge in Alaska
Alaska’s harsh and often unpredictable flying conditions make aviation safety a continued concern. The state accounts for a disproportionately high number of general aviation crashes due to the remoteness of many regions, limited road access, and challenging weather patterns.
The plane model involved in Friday’s crash has not been released pending the ongoing investigation, though preliminary statements suggest it was a Cessna-type aircraft frequently used for low-altitude research flights and regional commuting.
Landsiedel held a private pilot license and had logged hundreds of hours of flight time in Alaska’s backcountry, according to state records.
Family and Memorial Plans
Landsiedel is survived by his wife, Kara, and their 4-year-old daughter, Mila. A GoFundMe campaign is expected to be launched to assist the family with funeral costs and future support for Mila. A memorial service will be held in Dillingham later this week, with a second celebration of life planned in Bozeman, Montana, where John grew up and began his journey as a conservationist.
ADF&G has stated it will honor John’s legacy by continuing the wildlife research projects he spearheaded and dedicating an annual award in his name for excellence in fieldwork and wildlife stewardship.
As Alaska mourns one of its own, those who knew John Landsiedel say his legacy will continue in the rivers, forests, and skies he so dearly loved.