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.

Cessna 180 pilot goes missing in Alaska

U.S. Coast Guard and Air Force assets are searching for a missing pilot near Perry Island in Prince William Sound, Alaska.

The 11th Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) in Anchorage received a Mayday call from the pilot of a Cessna 180 airplane Tuesday afternoon. The pilot reported he was having engine trouble and stated he may have to set the plane down. 

RCC Anchorage contacted the Coast Guard command center who took the lead on search efforts and dispatched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and HC-130 Hercules airplane from Air Station Kodiak, a Coast Guard Valdez 45-foot response boat, and the crews of the Coast Guard Cutter Mustang and Sycamore to the area. An Air Force 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60 Pavehawk helicopter, 211th Rescue Squadron HC-130 Hercules airplane and Alaska State Troopers joined the search.

"Our crews and assisting agencies are up against some extreme weather with this search," said Lt. Matthew Mitchell, Sector Anchorage search and rescue mission coordinator. The weather on scene is reported to consist of blowing snow with 200 yards of visibility.