It’s no secret that the Iditarod race can be dangerous. However, dog sledders are generally more prepared for disaster than others who may find themselves stranded in the harsh conditions along the race’s route.

The Associated Press is reporting that three people have been found dead along the Iditarod’s route in Alaska. The pilot, age 59, a woman, age 48, and the woman’s daughter, age 10, all died in the crash of a small aircraft in an area called Rainy Pass. All three were from Eagle River, a town located just north of Anchorage.

The AP report states that the plane took off from Anchorage earlier this week, bound for a small village named Takotna. A flight plan was not filed. A spokesman for the family of the passengers stated they were headed to the village to volunteer for the Iditarod.

After the plane did not make its scheduled return to Anchorage, the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center began searching for it. With the help of the military, state troopers, and private citizens, the plane was found on Tuesday morning in Rainy Pass. The bodies have been recovered and taken to Anchorage.