UPDATE: Aircraft Wreckage found in Cape Yakataga Search Area


An Alaska Air National Guard HC-130J Combat King II operated by aircrew from the 211th Rescue Squadron, 176th Wing, surveys Malemute Drop Zone during aerial training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. (U.S. Air Force photo by Alejandro Peña)
An Alaska Air National Guard HC-130J Combat King II operated by aircrew from the 211th Rescue Squadron, 176th Wing, surveys Malemute Drop Zone during aerial training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. (U.S. Air Force photo by Alejandro Peña)

UPDATE: On Tuesday, APD reported that US Coast Guard aircraft located wreckage in the Cape Yakataga search area at 8 pm the prior evening.

Because of the remote location, a positive identification of the craft could not be made.

APD said in their dispatch, “The RCC, US Coast Guard, and Wrangell St. Elias National Park are coordinating an operation at the remote location to identify the wreckage and determine if there are any survivors.”


ORIGINAL: Alaska State Troopers report that search efforts are ongoing for a Beechcraft Bonanza that was reported overdue at 12:15 pm on Sunday afternoon.

AST says that Alaska Wildlife Troopers were notified by the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) of the aircraft that was due in Ketchikan from Glennallen that departed there at 8:50 am that morning.

The aircraft was reported to be occupied by two persons.

The last communication with the aircraft was when it was 18 miles inland from Cape Yakataga.

While an Alaska Air National Guard HC-130 launched on Monday morning to take up the search, troopers say poor weather conditions have hampered further search efforts.

Next of kin were notified of the situation as search efforts continue.