Pilot Flew with Suspended Licenses Before Fatal Alaska Crash as NTSB Uncovers New Details
Newly released preliminary findings from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have revealed that 51-year-old California pilot Michael “Mike” Grimes was flying with a suspended commercial pilot certificate and an expired medical certificate before his fatal crash in the mountains southeast of Cordova, Alaska.
According to investigators, Grimes departed California on June 15, relocating to Fairbanks with plans to begin a new career as a bush pilot. His commercial pilot certificate had been suspended on June 4, 2025, due to multiple FAA enforcement actions, while his medical certificate had expired in March 2025.
During his journey, Grimes stopped in Yakutat, Alaska, where he discovered that no 100LL aviation fuel was available. Instead, he purchased approximately 60 gallons of automotive gasoline over two days. Investigators are examining whether the aircraft was properly approved to operate on automotive fuel and whether fuel choice played any role in the accident.
Witnesses reported that Grimes initially attempted to depart Yakutat but returned after encountering poor weather, saying the “ceilings were too low and tops too high.” He stayed overnight before departing again on the morning of June 18 without filing a flight plan or communicating with air traffic control.
Weather conditions deteriorated significantly toward Cordova, with low ceilings, mist, drizzle, and instrument meteorological conditions forecast along his route. Investigators believe the experimental Piper PA-20 struck steep mountainous terrain approximately 44 miles southeast of Cordova around noon at an elevation of about 1,190 feet.
A post-impact fire destroyed much of the aircraft, making the investigation more challenging. The wreckage was located by the Alaska Army National Guard on June 19 after concerned family members reported the aircraft overdue, but difficult terrain and poor weather delayed investigators from reaching the site until June 25.
The NTSB says the investigation remains in its early stages. Investigators are focusing on several factors, including Grimes’ suspended pilot status, expired medical certificate, weather conditions, fuel selection, and operational decisions before the crash. A final report determining the probable cause will be released after the investigation is complete.
