N91025 Aviation Accident 2025-04-28

Fatal Accident (2) - Smokey Bay Air Inc. Cessna T207 Turbo Stationair 7, N91025, Nanwalek Airport (KEB), AK,  April 28, 2025.

Accident Information

Approx. Accident Location	Aircraft Fat.	Aircraft Inj.	Ground Fat.	Ground Inj.	ASN Entry
59°21'7.73"N, 151°55'30.54"W	2	1	0	0	Aviation Safety Network

Aircraft Information

Type	Operator	Registration	Serial Number	Manufacture Date
Cessna T207 Turbo Stationair 7	Aviation Leasing LLC opb Smokey Bay Air	N91025	20700016	1969

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ASX Accident Report

On April 28, 2025, a Cessna T207 Turbo Stationair 7, registered N91025 and operated by Smokey Bay Air, crashed near the rural community of Nanwalek on the southern Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. The aircraft was on a commercial charter flight from Homer to Nanwalek and was carrying three occupants: pilot Daniel Bunker, 48, of Homer; passenger Jenny Irene Miller, 37, an Anchorage-based photographer originally from Nome; and a third male passenger who has not been identified as of the writing of this report. The aircraft impacted terrain during the landing phase, reportedly crashing on the runway and entering the water at its end near the Nanwalek Airport. Bunker and Miller were killed in the accident, and the unidentified third person received serious injuries.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Cessna was on final approach at approximately 2:00 p.m. local time when the accident occurred. The Nanwalek Airport is known for its challenging operational environment, including a short, curved gravel runway—only 850 feet of which is considered usable—and frequent strong winds. METAR data from nearby stations at the time showed clear skies and variable winds, with no significant meteorological anomalies that would have directly contributed to the accident.

Daniel Bunker, the pilot in command, was a commercially certificated aviator with both single- and multi-engine ratings and known locally for his experience flying in Alaska’s demanding terrain. Jenny Irene Miller was a prominent Native artist and photographer whose work incorporated Inupiaq traditions and LGBTQ+ advocacy. The surviving male passenger, who has not been publicly identified, was medevaced to Anchorage in critical condition. Emergency response efforts included the Alaska State Troopers, local volunteers, and regional rescue services including Guardian Flight and LifeMed Alaska.

Eyewitness reports and early FAA accounts indicate that the aircraft impacted the runway and overran into the adjacent water body. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the NTSB, which dispatched an investigator to the site shortly after the incident. The aircraft was manufactured in 1978 and categorized as destroyed in the accident. This particular airframe, N91025, had previously been involved in a 2016 crash at the same airport but was returned to service after repairs.

Preliminary indications suggest that terrain configuration and approach path alignment may have contributed to the outcome, especially given the limited length and geometry of the Nanwalek strip. Although weather conditions were not severe, the interaction of wind gusts with the airport's unique layout remains a point of interest. The ongoing investigation will likely examine flight path data, maintenance records, and pilot performance to determine probable cause. No further details on contributing mechanical or procedural factors have been released at this time​

This page will be updated as more information becomes available.

Accident Update 2025-04-30

Update Summary

On April 30, 2025, the NTSB released new insights into the fatal crash of a Smokey Bay Air Cessna 207 near Nanwalek. Investigators now believe that the pilot, Daniel Bunker, may have initiated a go-around after attempting to avoid a loose dog on the landing runway.

NTSB Alaska regional chief Clint Johnson stated that the pilot was in communication with another aircraft when he performed a steep right turn during the go-around, which may have led to a loss of control. Witnesses confirmed the presence of the animal and described the pilot’s abrupt maneuver shortly before the aircraft impacted the beach.

The crash resulted in the deaths of Bunker and Jenny Irene Miller, an Anchorage-based artist and activist. The third passenger, a male, survived with serious injuries and was evacuated to Anchorage.

Current Investigation Status

Investigators have begun the recovery of the aircraft wreckage and intend to transport it to Homer, and later Anchorage, for detailed analysis. Early theories point to a potential aerodynamic stall during the steep climbout. No mechanical issues have yet been confirmed or ruled out.

Rescue teams moved the wreckage out of the tidal zone shortly after the crash. Recovery coordination is ongoing in partnership with the operator’s insurance provider.

Victim Profiles

Daniel Bunker: A respected pilot from Homer, father-of-two, nature photographer, brown bear guide, and volunteer firefighter. Remembered by the Seldovia Village Tribe as “a kind soul who served our communities with dedication.”

Jenny Irene Miller (Wiagañmiu): A queer Iñupiaq artist and photographer known for her portraits of Alaska Natives. She served as a board member for Native Movement and is remembered for her contributions to Alaska Native and LGBTQ+ visibility.

Notes

• Anyone with information is encouraged to contact investigators at mailto:witness@ntsb.gov. • The aircraft was operating a tour route with connections to Seldovia and bear-viewing excursions.

Previous Accident History

N91025 - Air taxi crashes in Nanwalek

Tracking and Social Media

• Flight Tracking: Flightradar24, FlightAware, ADS-B Exchange
• Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter)

Sources and References

• JetPhotos
• Must Read Alaska
• Alaska Public Media
• Anchorage Daily News
• DailyMail