We’re learning more tonight about the small plane crash in Willow earlier this week. The pilot injured in that crash is a familiar name in Alaska's mushing community.

Iditarod veteran Ramey Smyth has confirmed to Your Alaska Link that he was at the controls when his Aeronca Champ went down on the runway at the Willow Airport on Monday.

Smyth was hospitalized with serious injuries. He’s no stranger to Alaska’s rugged terrain—he’s run the Iditarod more than 20 times, earning several top-10 finishes.

He also played a key role in creating the newest version of the iconic burled arch that marks the finish line in Nome.

The National Transportation Safety Board is still working to determine what caused the crash.

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