Revelstoke, BC – A small plane that disappeared almost a year ago with a pilot and passenger has been found in remote terrain.
An extensive search by authorities and family members had failed to find any sign of the missing Mooney M20D aircraft with the tail marking C-FESN.
But on Monday, a BC ambulance helicopter discovered the wreckage by chance. The crew said the wreckage was of the same colour, white and burgundy, with the same tail markings.
“The initial incident was reported on November 25, 2017 when the Kamloops Flight Center requested assistance from the Penticton RCMP in providing information relating to a plane that departed Penticton en-route to Edmonton Alberta,” said an RCMP statement.
The private plane was being piloted by Dominic Neron, 28, from Parkland Country, Alberta and his passenger was Ashley Bourgeault from Edmonton. A nine day search failed to find any signs of the crashed aircraft or occupants.
Family members had continued search. They used drones and canvassed the area population for any information.
The Aviation Safety Network said the the aircraft was last seen on radar in a controlled descent from 9,500 above sea level (ASL) to 7,000 ASL northeast of Revelstoke, BC.
“The aircraft was reported overdue at the destination airport. A search was initiated, and was discontinued by the JRCC after nine days. The aircraft’s possible location is south of Cougar Mountain.”
Investigators are now trying to get to the area to carry out further investigation and retrieve remains to provide closure to families of the two men.
