2 found dead after Idaho-bound plane goes missing
The search for a missing plane traveling to Grangeville, Idaho, ended after aircraft wreckage and a deceased pilot and passenger were found Sunday, according to a release from the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Search and rescue teams found the wreckage in Aeneas Valley, Washington, near Tonasket, Washington, according to the release.
The pilot, Nicholas Grachanin, 61, and Jim Merik, a passenger, "were found deceased inside the aircraft," according to Washington State DOT.
"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," Tom Peterson, the Washington State DOT air search and rescue coordinator and incident commander, said in a statement. "We are thankful to everyone who contributed their time, expertise and resources to this search effort."
According to Washington State DOT, the plane had been traveling from Penticton, British Columbia, to Grangeville, Idaho, on Saturday.
"After the pilot lost communication with Seattle Center air traffic control, the pilot's daughter contacted the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office to report the aircraft and occupants missing," the release said.
Washington State DOT said its Aviation Emergency Services team began the search using the plane's final known radar locations between Oroville, Washington, and Okanogan, Washington. The team used "cell phone forensics to help identify potential search areas," the release said.
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation were also contacted to assist with the effort, the release said.
The release said the plane wreckage and two occupants were found around 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 11, and the families were notified.
