12/4/2013
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Additional resources assisting in search for missing aircraft in Valley County
Contact: Valley County Information Center: 208-382-7319
CASCADE - With daylight and clear weather, the search has resumed for the missing aircraft in Valley County. Additional resources have been brought in to assist with the search, including three more fixed-wing aircraft from the Civil Air Patrol and 18 members of the Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue unit.
Teams will concentrate their efforts in the vicinity of the Johnson Creek Airstrip. An incident command post is set up at that backcountry airstrip, and coordination is being led at the Valley County Emergency Operations Center in Cascade.
The additional resources bring the total to more than 60 people. Helicopters will again assist, bringing the total aircraft to seven (five Civil Air Patrol airplanes, two Idaho Army National Guard helicopters – one Lakota and one Blackhawk). Others assisting in the search include the Valley County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Forest Service, Idaho Fish and Game, Idaho Transportation Department, Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security, and the Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue.
“With the additional resources, rugged terrain, and difficult weather conditions, we are encouraging citizens not to attempt to volunteer to help with the search,” said Incident Commander Lt. Dan Smith with the Valley County Sheriff’s Office. “Untrained individuals create safety concerns and detract resources from the search effort.”
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Note to reporters: Authorities encourage media outlets to respect the privacy of the family members of those believed to be on the plane.