Update (07/06 12:15 p.m.) — The U.S. Coast Guard says the search for survivors of the downed aircraft near Brookings was suspended just before 10:00 p.m. Tuesday night.
Brookings, Ore. — A small plane carrying three Grants Pass residents is missing after it left Brookings Monday night to return to Josephine County.
The U.S. Coast Guard says the 1964 Cessna 172 never returned and a multi-county search is underway.
The Curry County Sheriff’s Office said beachcombers found a backpack and other personal items including identification on the beach at Lone Ranch State Park. The items were identified as belonging to the missing plane and passengers.
Deputies said it appears the items floated ashore, indicating the plane must have crashed into the ocean.
Stan Goodell, the cross country coach for Grants Pass High School, told the Grants Pass Daily Courier that the plane was rented by John Belnap of Grants Pass, and also carried his son Max and friend Ryan Merker. According to the Curry County Sheriff’s Office Belnap is a Josephine County Search and Rescue member.
Grants Pass School District Superintendent Kirk Kolb confirmed both Max Belnap and Ryan Merker are students at GPHS and were juniors this past year. Kolb describes the students as well liked and personable.
A candlelight vigil will be held at the high school’s Mel Ingram Field at 7:00 Tuesday night.
Larry Graves, the manager of Josephine County Airports, told NBC5 News in addition to the Coast Guard, the Curry County Sheriff’s Office and private pilots are all helping in the ongoing search. Agencies involved are all extending their deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those involved, and are praying for them.
The Coast Guard said search crews had good search conditions Tuesday afternoon with approximately 10 miles of visibility.
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