Most of you probably heard about the crash that claimed the life of Senator Ted Stevens, along with four others. But few have heard of the scene that was playing out at the same time on the Knik Glacier, about forty miles northeast of Anchorage.

The story below highlights some of the challenges of flying in the Last Frontier, and portrays the courage of the "PJs" -- Air Force personnel charged with the duty of rescuing downed flyers behind enemy lines. As you will read, even for these highly trained professionals, the mighty forces of Alaska prove to be a formidable challenge.

This is a drama in three parts, with the links to each part below. Note that no Zenith aircraft were involved in this incident.

Part one:

http://alaskadispatch.com/dispatches/features/8129-seasoned-alaska-...

Part two:

http://alaskadispatch.com/dispatches/features/8192-perfect-storm-of...

Part three:

http://alaskadispatch.com/dispatches/features/8202-another-aircraft...