The U.S. Forest Service’s Deadliest Aviation Disaster: Nez Perce National Forest episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 31, 2026 · 1H 11M

The U.S. Forest Service’s Deadliest Aviation Disaster: Nez Perce National Forest

from National Park After Dark · host Danielle LaRock & Cassandra Yahnian

In June 1979, a group of U.S. Forest Service employees and volunteers boarded a routine flight into the remote Idaho backcountry to begin another summer season at the Moose Creek Ranger District. They never arrived. When both engines of their DC-3 failed over the narrow Selway River canyon, the pilots fought to keep the powerless aircraft in the air as the passengers prepared for the worst. What followed was a remarkable story of survival, an enormous wilderness rescue effort, and an investigation that uncovered the failures behind the deadliest aviation disaster in U.S. Forest Service history. For a full list of our sources, visit npadpodcast.com/episodes For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials: Instagram: @‌nationalparkafterdarkTikTok: @‌nationalparkafterdark Support the show by becoming an Outsider and receive ad free listening, bonus content and more on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. Want to see our faces? Catch full episodes on our YouTube Page! Thank you to this week’s partners! DeleteMeTake control of your personal information online with DeleteMe. Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you use code NPAD at checkout.Special 20% Off - DeleteMe IQBARGet 20% off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Text PARK to 64000. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details. QuinceFind elevated everyday essentials, from Mongolian cashmere and washable silk to denim, leather goods, jewelry, bedding, and more. Get free shipping and 365-day returns.Women's Best Sellers — Mongolian Cashmere, Silk & Care Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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The U.S. Forest Service’s Deadliest Aviation Disaster: Nez Perce National Forest

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