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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Plane with 3 aboard missing in SW Washington

Associated Press
CHEHALIS, Wash. — A spokeswoman for the Washington State Aviation Division says two helicopters have searched without success for a light plane carrying three people that reported an engine problem in southwest Washington. Aviation Division spokeswoman Nisha Marvel says the helicopters searched today in rainy, windy weather in a target area pinpointed by radar between White Pass and Chehalis. She said earlier that the plane dropped off radar about 7:45 a.m. today in mountainous terrain in the Morton-Packwood area. The pilot and two passengers have not been identified. FAA spokesman Allen Kenitzer says the pilot of the Cessna 340A reported losing power in one of two engines about 10 minutes after taking off from Chehalis for Lewiston. The plane is registered to Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute in Chehalis. Institute Executive Vice President Debbie Eldredge said in an e-mail the company had no information about the aircraft.
Information from: KOMO-AM, komoradio.com.