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Search efforts to continue for missing Solvang pilot
Posted: Dec 19, 2012 10:32 PM by Kathy Kuretich
Updated: Dec 20, 2012 11:49 AM
Search efforts will continue Thursday for a Solvang pilot whose small plane disappeared from radar over Yosemite National Park, Monday afternoon.
The FAA said Nicol Wilson's wife reported him missing Tuesday morning, when he did not arrive in Mammoth Lakes as scheduled.
He reportedly left Santa Ynez Airport at 12:30 pm, Monday.
Officials said a California Highway Patrol helicopter and two fixed wing planes from the Civil Air Patrol have efforting the search.
They're looking in the area of the Tioga Pass, about 8,000 to 10,000 feet elevation.
Officials said snow has made it impossible for rescuers to search the area by vehicle or by foot.
Shawn Knight, President of the Santa Ynez Airport said weather has created a difficult situation for rescuers, because it's possible the aircraft is covered in snow.
"The problem is that the emergency locator beacon never activated, so that makes it more difficult to find the aircraft, it's a pretty wide area," said Knight.
He said he's been in contact with search and rescue personnel and they're determined to find Wilson.
A Yosemite National Parks Service official said the search effort will pick up again Thursday morning.
Wilson was the only person on board the 1966 single engine Mooney M-20.
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