Remains of missing pilot found in Alaska

The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for a missing pilot near Perry Island in Prince William Sound, Alaska, after his remains were discovered Wednesday evening.

The crew of the Alaska State Trooper vessel Churchhill located and recovered the man's remains and the wreckage of his Cessna 180 airplane partially submerged along the coast of Culross Island.

Coast Guard and partner agency assets searched the vicinity of Perry Island and Culross Island near Whittier for 27 hours in rough weather during their efforts to locate the man who went down in the area Tuesday afternoon.

Assets involved in the search included an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and HC-130 Hercules airplane from Air Station Kodiak, a Coast Guard Station Valdez 45-foot response boat, the Coast Guard Cutter Mustang and Sycamore, an Air Force 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60 Pavehawk helicopter and 211th Rescue Squadron HC-130 Hercules airplane from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Alaska State Troopers.

 "It is never easy when a search ends like this," said Capt. Paul Mehler, Sector Anchorage commander.  "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones.” 

The Cessna 180 aircraft (tail number N9247C) is registered to Dale Carlson of Wasilla, Alaska, according to Federal Aviation Administration records.