5 Dead, 1 Missing, 10 Hospitalized After Midair Collision

Two floatplanes carrying passengers crash mid-air over Alaska on Monday. The crash left five people dead and one still missing. Ten people were also injured and rushed to the hospital.

On Monday, a short excursion trip turned into a nightmare after two floatplanes carrying cruise passengers crashed into each other. According to officials, the crash left five people dead, 10 injured and one person still missing.

Princess Cruises confirmed that their de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver collided with a de Havilland Otter DHC-3 just after 1 p.m. local time near the town of Ketchikan. They revealed that the pilot and all four passengers on board were killed in the collision.

"We are deeply saddened to report this news and our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost their lives and the families of those impacted by today’s accident," Princess Cruises said in a statement. "Princess Cruises is extending its full support to traveling companions of the guests involved."

Coast Guard Petty Officer Jon-Paul Rios revealed that the DHC-3 was carrying 11 people. He added that 10 of the passengers were injured and the 11th person was among the missing.

In an earlier statement, Princess Cruises said the larger plane was operated by Taquan Air. It was flying on an excursion sold through the cruise line while the second, smaller plane was operating an independent tour.

A spokeswoman for the Ketchikan flightseeing company announced that Taquan has suspended operations while federal authorities investigate the deadly crash. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) spokesman Allen Kenitzer said the planes collided under unknown circumstances.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board have been investigating the collision. Weather conditions Monday included high overcast skies with 9 m.p.h. winds out of the southeast.

The cruise ship Royal Princess departed Vancouver for a seven-day cruise on Saturday. It was due to arrive in Anchorage on May 18 however a passenger on the ship revealed that the ship will not be leaving on schedule.