Update 12:10 pm:
Early Monday morning, a good samaritan aircraft located the plane wreckage near the eastern side of Tustemena Lake. At approximately 10:30 am, the Alaska Army National Guard rescued the adult male pilot and two juvenile passengers from the plane. The three persons were taken to a Kenai Peninsula area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The Alaska State Troopers would like to thank the Alaska Army National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, and the good samaritan aircraft that assisted with this operation.
Update 9:15 am:
KSRM News spoke with the family of the missing pilot, who provided an update on the search for the overdue Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser.
According to the family, they received a report that the plane was spotted on a lake, with individuals seen walking around the aircraft.
In a text, Alaska State Trooper Public Information Officer Austin McDaniel confirmed that the wreckage has been sighted, but could not confirm the status of the pilot or passengers at this time, but the family is hopeful that the information could lead to a positive development in the search.
Authorities continue to conduct aerial searches in the area, and any new details will be shared as they become available.
Original Story:
The Alaska State Troopers are searching for a Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser aircraft that has not been accounted for since Sunday, Mar. 23. The plane was flying around the Kenai Peninsula and was reported missing at about 10:32 p.m. The Troopers think the aircraft is in the Tustumena Lake or the Kenai Mountain region, east of Homer.
The Coast Guard and the Rescue Coordination Center have initiated a search operation, with an Air Guard C-130 and an HH-60 helicopter on standby. The family of the missing passengers has also sought help, with a heartfelt request for assistance through social media posts.
In a Facebook post, the family indicated that the missing aircraft had taken off on Sunday afternoon, and the pilot’s cell phone, who has two granddaughters on the plane, was last located near Tustumena Lake.
If you are a pilot or if your aircraft is in the area, please assist in the search on Mar. 24.
The family wants any information and has a phone number for anyone who has information: 907-394-6315. The friends and volunteers are ready to continue the search at daylight.
