A pilot and his passenger have been found dead inside the wreckage of a small plane after it disappeared during a flight from Canada to the US.
Nicholas Grachanin, 61, and passenger Jim Merik were discovered inside the aircraft after search crews located the wreckage in Washington state.
The pair had been travelling from Penticton, British Columbia, to Grangeville, Idaho, when the pilot lost contact with air traffic control.
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Grachanin’s daughter contacted the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office to report the aircraft and its occupants missing, as reported by Need To Know.
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) search and rescue teams launched a search for the missing plane on Saturday, October 10.
Crews used the aircraft’s last known radar locations between Oroville and Okanogan, as well as mobile phone forensics, to help identify potential search areas.
Ground teams from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation also assisted in the search.
The wreckage was located in Aeneas Valley near Tonasket at around 4.30pm on Sunday, October 11.
Both occupants were found dead inside the aircraft, and their families have been notified.
WSDOT Air Search and Rescue Coordinator and Incident Commander Tom Peterson said: “On behalf of the search and rescue team, WSDOT extends our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
“We are thankful to everyone who contributed their time, expertise and resources to this search effort.”
The search involved personnel from WSDOT, the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office, Okanogan County Emergency Management, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office air support unit and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.
WSDOT confirmed its search and rescue operation had concluded, with further information expected from the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office.
Questions about the cause of the crash have been directed to the National Transportation Safety Board.
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