Ice delays search for missing pilot

Inclement weather has slowed the search for a missing Arkansas Forestry Commission pilot Sunday, but agencies will restart their pursuit today, a commission spokesman said Sunday in a news release.

Jake Harrell, 34, a part-time commission pilot since 2005, last contacted forestry officials at 1:11 p.m. Friday during an aerial wildfire survey of the Ouachita National Forest. He took off in a single-engine Cessna 219 from Oden and was expected to land in Wickes.

“Crews all remain staged and a National Guard helicopter is still located just south of Mena, all waiting for a window in the weather to re-start search efforts,” spokesman Adriane Barnes said, adding that low visibility and icy road conditions hindered their search efforts Sunday.

Harrell is also a full-time North Little Rock police officer and a member of the Arkansas Air National Guard 188th Fighter Wing.

Arkansas, Pages 9 on 02/03/2014

Upcoming Events