Full Breakdown
Search for Missing 1976 Piper Cub Continues in Okanogan County
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
A 1976 Piper Cub piloted by a private aviator departed Penticton, British Columbia, bound for Grangeville, Idaho. The aircraft lost communication with Seattle Center air-traffic control on the evening of Saturday and was last detected on radar between Oroville and Okanogan, Washington. The pilot’s daughter later notified the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office that both the pilot and a passenger were missing.
Search Operations
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Air Search and Rescue unit launched aerial searches on Sunday, deploying fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to sweep the last known radar locations. Search teams are also using cell-phone forensic analysis to pinpoint possible crash sites. Ground assistance has been provided by members of the Colville Confederated Tribes. Weather conditions have been described as favorable, allowing continuous flight operations throughout the day. No distress signals were recorded overnight, and WSDOT officials have indicated that volunteer assistance is not required for the current air or land searches.
Agency Role and Legal Authority
WSDOT stated that it is charged by state statute RCW 47.68.380 to coordinate and manage aerial search and rescue within Washington, working in partnership with volunteer search-and-rescue groups, law-enforcement agencies, and the U.S. Navy when appropriate.
Public Appeal for Information
Authorities have asked anyone who may have seen or heard the aircraft on Saturday night, or who observed any debris or unusual activity in the search area, to contact the State Emergency Operations Center at 800-258-5990.
Data & Statistics
- Aircraft: Piper Cub, model year 1976
- Flight plan: Penticton, BC -> Grangeville, ID
- Last radar segment: between Oroville and Okanogan, WA
- Search assets: WSDOT Air Search and Rescue unit, helicopter support, ground teams from the Colville Confederated Tribes
The coordinated effort remains ongoing as officials continue to evaluate radar data and forensic leads.