Two dead in plane crash in Okanogan's Aeneas Valley
The search for a missing plane and passengers concluded Sunday evening, Oct. 11 after search and rescue teams with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) located the aircraft wreckage in Aeneas Valley near Tonasket.
The pilot, 61-year-old Nicholas Grachanin and passenger Jim Merik were found deceased inside the aircraft.
The aircraft departed Penticton, British Columbia, enroute to Grangeville, Idaho, on Saturday, Oct. 10. After the pilot lost communication with Seattle Center air traffic control, the pilot’s daughter contacted the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office to report the aircraft and occupants missing.
WSDOT Aviation Emergency Services team immediately began searching for the aircraft using its last known radar locations between Oroville and Okanogan, using cell phone forensics to help identify potential search areas. Additional ground search resources from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation were contacted to assist with the effort.
WSDOT and assisting agencies located the wreckage and the two occupants at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11. The families have been notified of today’s findings.
“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 WSDOT Air Search and Rescue Coordinator and Incident Commander Tom Peterson. “We are thankful to everyone who contributed their time, expertise and resources to this search effort.”
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