More detail on this person: Christopher, "Chris," A. Maggio, born June 12, 1949, a veteran Alaska
helicopter and airplane pilot died when his helicopter crashed near the Denver glacier in Southeast
Alaska during a support mission for the Alaska Icefield Expedition's sled dog camp. The cause of the
accident on May 6, 2016, is still unknown.
Chris grew up in Pasadena, California and first started flying as part of the aviation curriculum at
Mt San Antonio College in California where he earned his private pilot license. After college he
enlisted in the Army in 1969 and completed the Warrant Officer flight-training program for
helicopters. Following graduation he was assigned to the 118 AHC in Bien Hoa, South Vietnam, where
Chris quickly qualified into "Charlie Model Gunships". In the later part of his tour in Vietnam he
was reassigned to the 238 AWC and finally to the 134 AHC.
After Vietnam, Chris started a family and pursued a non-aviation career, but his love for flying
never diminished. In 1986 he bought a 1948 Stinson
108-3. Chris then seasonally supported a private gold operation near Nome, Alaska. However, getting
back to flying helicopters was always one of Chris's goals. In 1992 he earned his FAA commercial
helicopter license and went to work for a large Southeast Alaska helicopter operator. Soon there
after, Chris moved permanently to Alaska and became the base operations co-manager in Skagway.
In 1997 Chris and a crewmember rescued the pilot and a passenger after the charter airplane they
were on crashed into a deep salt-water inlet. Even though Chris's response to the incident took only
seven minutes and he guided rescuers to other passengers, four were lost. In 2013 the FAA recognized
Chris with inclusion in the prestigious FAA Airman Certification Database, listing him as a pilot
who has exceeded the highest educational, licensing, and medical standards established by the FAA.
Chris was a twenty year resident of Skagway, Alaska. He served on the Skagway school board and was
an active member in the Skagway Arts Council. Chris had a love for antique bicycles and motorcycles,
hotrods, Alaska art, guitars, family, and his partner Denise. But for all the things Chris was known
for, he was most recognized for his engaging smile, generosity, and kindness. Family, friends, and
the community of Skagway will never forget Christopher A. Maggio. A life cut too short.
This information was last updated 09/28/2016
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Date posted on this site: 01/11/2025
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