You are here

Home » Still No Sign of Missing Plane In Katmai National Park After Four Days of Searching

Still No Sign of Missing Plane In Katmai National Park After Four Days of Searching

Share

Published Date

August 25, 2010

A search for a missing plane over Katmai National Park and Preserve has been realigned to follow a grid pattern, rather than one that followed topography and most likely routes the plane might have taken to King Salmon. NPS map.

As searchers continued to come up empty in their efforts to find a small plane with four occupants aboard that vanished on a flight from Katmai National Park and Preserve, officials Wednesday reoriented the searching to a more typical grid pattern.

While the first four days of the search had sent planes aloft with orders to follow all routes that the missing plane most likely would have followed from Swikshak Lagoon to King Salmon, Alaska, on Wednesday the decision was made to move to a grid pattern based on air miles rather than terrain, park officials said.

There has been no sign of, and no signal from, the maroon de Havilland Beaver with white stripes (tail number N9313Z) since it left Swikshak Lagoon early Saturday afternoon with the pilot and three National Park Service maintenance workers. The three -- Mason McLeod, 26, and brothers Neal and Seth Spradlin -- had been tearing down the old Swikshak patrol cabin to make way for a new cabin. Piloting the plane was Marco Alletto.

The NPS Alaska Incident Management Team, lead by Incident Commander Richard Moore, is assisting Katmai National Park by managing the search efforts for the missing aircraft.

During the first four days of searching, resources focused on all recognized low-elevation passes, both to north and south directions, park officials said in explaining the change in strategy. Operations now are moving to a broader saturation model, based on a grid defined by air miles, rather than terrain. This methodical path of using a grid system is based on the same method used by the Civil Air Patrol and will cover all areas regardless of geographical features, they added.

The U.S. Coast Guard continues to search the coast and the Civil Air Patrol is working on the northern search areas.

Eight dedicated incident aircraft, (three helicopters and five fixed wing) along with three volunteer aircraft and aircraft from the Alaska Air National Guard, US Coast Guard and the Civil Air Patrol will participate in the search, with additional aircraft arriving late today. The multi-agency effort includes the National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Alaska Air National Guard, Alaska State Troopers, U.S. Coast Guard, as well as local private operators.

Due to safety and communication concerns, pilots are asked to contact Katmai National Park, at 907-246-3305 to coordinate any search efforts.

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by admin on August 26, 2010 - 2:56pm.

my brother in law and I took 4 of our kids on the trip of a life time two summers ago. We stopped at Brooks Lodge where we met Mason. He made a huge impression on our family sharing knowledge and experiences about brown bears and the wilderness that will last a life time. When Katmai came up in the news, my attention quickly turned. When I saw Mason's name, I felt a real connection to the story. My kids and I are wishing and praying for Mason and his buddies for their quick and safe return from what I am sure will turn out to be a grand adventure.


Submitted by admin on August 26, 2010 - 11:49pm.

me and family in Bali - Indonesia , knew Marco the pilots few years ago when my sisters was with him , he is a nice guy , we all like him , we pray for him and all the rangers who still missing , we surrender in God's hands. Amen


Submitted by admin on August 30, 2010 - 2:18am.

i read various articles about Marco Alletto.

I am the italian Oncle of Marco, the brother of his mother Hannelore Hirsch. I cannot reach his brother Paolo Alletto and I am worrying about Marco. Since I do not have at this moment other sources of information I am kindly requesting to you to give me, if possible, suggestions about improving my knowledge on news about MARCO. I will be really gratefull if you can help me in this occasion.

Thanks for informing us.
May God save them all

My best regards,

Federico Bugno

Mobile: +39 347 8793617


Submitted by admin on September 16, 2010 - 10:38am.

Mr. Bugno

I am a friend of the Spradilins. Wanted to see if you had been able to obtain current information on a daily basis. If you need assistance I can feed you information as it becomes available. Let me know if you need help.


Submitted by admin on September 29, 2010 - 9:41am.

Thanks a lot to have answered to me. The last informations i gotabout Spradlins and Marco were from alaskasearchupdate; but today this web site has been hacked by somebody speaking arabic. I do not know what happened. Finally i met Paolo the brother of Marco who received yesterday a generic information that wrekages of the plane have been individuated somewhere; no other information. I do not know to whom ask now without the hacked website. Thanks and God makes them rescued alive.


Submitted by admin on December 8, 2010 - 11:43am.

Our friend Marco Alletto had a very colorful life, filled with many unique experiences that took him around the world. I first met Marco in Hawaii, but also had the pleasure to surf with him in Indonesia. We flew together, surfed together, and enjoyed some great times together. Through his travels and experiences, he made many friends along the way... the list is long and impressive. To honor him, I’ve created a special site so that everyone can post their photos and thoughts about him. Please take some time to say a few words and/or share your photos of Marco. He would want us to raise a glass, toast to happier times, and fill the room with laughter.

Here is the link to the site:
http://bluesurf.site.aplus.net/marcoalletto/


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.