CAMP DENALI, Alaska – The Alaska National Guard is searching for an overdue aircraft about 20 miles northeast of Dillingham.
The 11th Air Force Rescue Coordination Center received an alert from the FAA for an overdue aircraft at approximately 8:30 a.m. today. The aircraft had last relayed radio communication that it was on approach to the Dillingham Airport but never arrived. Subsequently, the RCC was notified via the Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking, or SARSAT, system that a 406 beacon was activated roughly 20 miles northeast of Dillingham.
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The plane is reported to be a commercial Beechcraft plane with two people onboard.
According to the RCC, a U.S. Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter launched around 10 a.m. from Kodiak to begin searching for the overdue aircraft. Because of the terrain where the aircraft is believed to be, the RCC also requested response from the Alaska Air National Guard.
At approximately 11:30 a.m., an Alaska Air National Guard HH-60 Pave Hawk from the 210th Rescue Squadron launched from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage. An HC-130 refueling aircraft from the 211th Rescue Squadron soon followed around noon. Both aircraft had a Guardian Angel pararescue team from the 212th Rescue Squadron onboard.
The Pave Hawk helicopter arrived on scene around 2 p.m., and the HC-130 arrived shortly thereafter. The Coast Guard helicopter headed back to Kodiak after being relieved by the Alaska Air National Guard aircraft.
Weather in the area is hampering visibility with a low cloud ceiling. It is also reported to be snowing in the area and causing icing conditions.
“No sighting of the overdue aircraft has been made, and although the satellite is picking up the 406 signal, when crews fly overhead of the satellite coordinates, they can’t hear an audible VHF emergency locator signal,” said Master Sgt. Sal Provenzano, non-commissioned officer in charge of the RCC.
The Pave Hawk flew to Dillingham around 4 p.m. to refuel before heading back out to the search area. The HC-130 flew to King Salmon for fuel and will also go back to the search area to look for the overdue aircraft.
