The search for a missing plane out of Saint Ignace has ended with the discovery of debris in Lake Huron.
Mackinac County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to a possible plane crash near the Mackinac County Airport in St. Ignace around 10:00 p.m. Friday. Residents near the airport reported seeing a plane possibly go into the water in Horseshoe Bay of lake Huron. This area is just east of the airport between St. Ignace and Mackinac Island.
Upon arrival, deputies found that a plane piloted by a Wisconsin man had just taken off from the St. Ignace airport in route to Mackinac Island. The pilot was the only person aboard the aircraft at the time.
Residents report that the plane was flying low and banked to the side and then they heard the impact. Deputies, US Coast Guard and Mackinac Marine responded by boat to the area and shortly thereafter began finding debris in the water. Search efforts throughout the night included those agencies and deputies were assisted by St. Ignace police and fire departments, Michigan State Police and a USCH helicopter. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board were also contacted about this incident and have joined the investigation.
Searching continued through Saturday morning with deputies also searching the shoreline of the area. Additional debris was found on that search.
The MSP Dive Team is investigating areas of interest found with side scan sonar and other specialized equipment.
The pilot’s name is not being released at this time.
