Local
Search ends after plane wreckage found in Okanogan County; two killed
A missing aircraft was located in Aeneas Valley on Sunday, ending a search that began after the plane was reported missing Saturday. Pilot Nicholas Grachanin, 61, and passenger Jim Marik died at the scene, WSDOT said.
OROVILLE, Wash. — A search for a missing plane in Okanogan County ended Sunday after rescuers found the wreckage in Aeneas Valley. The pilot, 61-year-old Nicholas Grachanin, and passenger Jim Marik were dead at the scene, the Washington State Department of Transportation said.
WSDOT said the plane was located at about 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11. It had been reported missing the previous day, and radar data placed its last known location between Oroville and Okanogan.
Emergency responders used cell phone forensics to help pinpoint the aircraft, according to WSDOT. The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation also assisted in locating the wreckage.
“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,” said Tom Peterson, the department’s air search and rescue coordinator and incident commander. He thanked those who contributed time, expertise and resources to the search.