UPDATE:
Search for missing plane and pilot concludes after discovery of aircraft wreckage near Humpback Mountain
OLYMPIA – The search for a missing pilot concluded Monday, May 20 after the discovery of aircraft wreckage near Humpback Mountain, just west of Snoqualmie Pass. Ground search crews discovered the crash site around 1:30 p.m. The plane’s 69-year-old pilot, Jerry Riedinger was found deceased inside the plane located in a heavily forested area of the mountain.
Riedinger left the Arlington Municipal Airport Sunday at 4:30 p.m. His wife reported him missing around 6 p.m., after he did not arrive at his destination in Ephrata.
Search crews, coordinated by Washington State Department of Transportation Air Search and Rescue, focused on the area near Humpback Mountain off Interstate 90 based on cell phone and flight data. Search and rescue groups combed the area extensively by air and on the ground. The Riedinger family has been notified of today’s findings.
On behalf of the search and rescue team, WSDOT offers our sincere condolences to the entire Riedinger family. WSDOT is thankful for those who provided their time or expertise during the search mission. Over 220 people assisted in the search efforts from Sunday and Monday, May 19-20. Agencies who assisted in the search include King County Search and Rescue, King County Sheriff’s Office, Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office, Kittitas County Search and Rescue, Seattle Mountain Rescue, Washington Air Search and Rescue, Snoqualmie Pass Ski Patrol Rescue, King County Explorer Search and Rescue, Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue and WSDOT personnel.
WSDOT, by statute (RCW 47.68.380) is charged with the coordination and management of aerial search and rescue within the state.
The Washington State Department of Transportation is searching for a missing plane in the vicinity of Interstate 90 near Snoqualmie Pass.
WSDOT Air Search and Rescue was notified Sunday evening of a missing 2001 Extra Flugzeugbau 300/L piloted by Jerry Riedinger. Riedinger left the Arlington Municipal Airport Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Riedinger’s wife reported him missing around 6 p.m., after he did not arrive at his destination in Ephrata. An air search is underway and includes assistance from King County Search and Rescue and the King County Sheriff’s Office on the ground.
The pilot was reportedly carrying a parachute, and the aircraft was equipped with a new 406MHz Emergency Locator Transmitter. There has been no communication from the aircraft and no emergency beacon signals received. Riedinger was the only known occupant.
Search efforts will continue through the night and WSDOT Air Search and Rescue will resume efforts Monday, May 20. Anyone who thinks they saw or heard the plane Sunday or spotted anything in the area should call the State Emergency Operations Center at 800-258-5990 with details. At this time, search officials do not need volunteers to conduct air or land searches.
