The search for the missing pilot reported near Perry Island came to an end when the Alaska State Trooper vessel Churchill discovered  the pilot, identified as 53-year-old Dale Carlson of Wasilla, on Wednesday evening.

Carlson, and his Cessna 180 were found near Culross Island in Prince William Sound. When found, the aircraft was partially submerged along the island’s coastline.

It was on Tuesday afternoon that Carlson sent out a mayday call reporting engine trouble, stating that he may have to set the plane down.

Carlson’s mayday initiated a response and the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center contacted the U.S. Coast Guard, who in turn launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and a HC-130 Hercules from Air Station Kodiak. A 45-foot response vessel, the Coast Guard Cutter Mustang and Coast Guard Cutter Sycamore also responded from Valdez and initiated what would become a 27-hour search in adverse weather conditions.

An Air Force 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60 Pavehawk helicopter crew and 211th Rescue Squadron HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Anchorage, Alaska State Troopers and one good Samaritan vessel also joined the search.

Late Tuesday evening, a duffel bag that contained a flight log with the missing pilots name was found in the water at approximately 10 pm.

  air force, Alaska, cassna 180, Coast Guard, culross island, dale carlson, mayday, pilot, prince william sound, remains, search