Anchorage, Alaska - Day three in the search for a missing plane has come
to an end. At the Rescue Coordination Center the reports come in on a regular basis.
Capt. Eric Budd is monitoring search efforts, efforts that have gone on since Friday
night. “Currently, we are still pursuing this 110 percent. We have not made any
assumptions about the disposition of the aircraft or the people on board,” said
Budd (below), with the Rescue Coordination Center.
Search crews are looking for a white aero commander plane with blue trim. Three
people are believed to be on board. The last communication from the aircraft was
a non-distress call at about 8:30 p.m. Friday.
Officials say the aircraft headed from Anchorage to Kenai for a two-hour flight.
It was on its way back when it disappeared. Three different radar sources from Elmendorf
Air Force Base, Anchorage Approach and a device on board the plane offered an idea
of where to search first.
“All three sites, radar tracking devices, lost sight of him, pretty much Point Possession
over the water,” said Budd. Officials say because the pilot did not file a flight
plan, it's difficult to pinpoint a more specific location. By nightfall crews hoped
for more help from a low tide.
“We have several aircraft out searching the most probably areas and we're waiting
for low tide to put a few more crews out there and check everything out,” said Tech.
Sgt. Gail Paculba (right), with the Rescue Coordination Center.
Crews say if they don't find what they're looking for, it's likely the search area
will expand. Officials are hoping to release names Monday. The search will continue
Monday. Also, while searching for this plane, the Civil Air Patrol found a light
aircraft turned upside down on Point Mackenzie. Maj. Mike Haller says the plane's
emergency locator transmitter went off. Everyone is reported to be in good condition.