# Alaska teen and pilot remembered after fatal plane crash

> Alaska teen Connor Helsel and pilot Cabot Pitts died in a plane crash but lived by faith and passion for wilderness.
- Title: Alaska teen and pilot remembered after fatal plane crash
- Summary: Alaska teen Connor Helsel and pilot Cabot Pitts died in a plane crash but lived by faith and passion for wilderness.
- Keywords: connor helsel, cabot pitts, alaska, piper cub, alaska professional hunters association, youth ministry, alaska wilderness, news, local, teen, pilot, remembered
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/09/24/im-doing-what-i-love-beloved-pilot-michigan-teen-remembered-after-fatal-alaska-plane-crash
- Published: 2026-09-24T02:49:03.532+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: connor helsel, cabot pitts, alaska, piper cub, alaska professional hunters association, youth ministry, alaska wilderness, news, local
## Alaska teen and pilot remembered
Alaska teen Connor Helsel and pilot Cabot Pitts died in a fatal plane crash near Snag Creek.
## Connor’s faith and wilderness passion
Connor grew up hunting, fishing, and serving in youth ministry before aiming for Alaska as a packer.
## Connor’s resilience and hope
Connor said, 'There’s no quit in me, Dad. I’ll get them doctored up and I’ll be ready to go.'

> There’s no quit in me, Dad. I’ll get them doctored up and I’ll be ready to go.
## Connor’s final moments
Connor read his Bible before dying, saying, 'This is the Bible my dad gave me and I try to read a chapter a day.'

> This is the Bible my dad gave me and I try to read a chapter a day.
## Pilot Cabot Pitts’ professional life
Pitts owned Alaska Wild Wind Adventures and was president of the Alaska Professional Hunters Association.
## Pitts’ aviation philosophy
Pitts said, 'I’m doing what I love' when flying over Alaska’s landscapes.

> I’m doing what I love
## Tragic coincidence for pilot friend
Wayne Wilson, a retired conservation officer, lost two pilots in 2024 and 2026 after flying with both.
## Key takeaway

Alaska teen Connor Helsel and pilot Cabot Pitts died in a plane crash while living by faith and passion for wilderness.