Date:  Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Contact: Nisha Marvel, WSDOT Aviation Communications, 360-651-6310

OLYMPIA – WSDOT has suspended the air search for missing Lake Roesiger pilot, Gordon Last, 51, and his Taylorcraft two-seat airplane. Last has been missing since Saturday, Oct. 10.

The air search began on Sunday, October 11 and lasted through Monday, October 19. Rescue teams flew for a total of about 250 hours and about 175 personnel participated in the search. Two helicopters from King and Snohomish counties also aided in the air search.

Last’s plane departed from Harvey Field Airport in Snohomish on Saturday afternoon, October 10. He was expected to return to Harvey Field later that afternoon. His girlfriend reported him as missing when he failed to return.

Due to witness and radar information, search teams focused on the area between Shelton and Westport. The area is about 1,900 square miles covering Grays Harbor County, the southeast corner of Thurston County and a small piece of northwest Lewis County.

According to reports, the plane had no emergency locator beacon or transponder on board, and no flight plan was filed.

Anyone who may have information on this aircraft is still encouraged to contact the search staff at missingaircraft@wsdot.wa.gov or 360-410-0461.

< Go Back