Potter County-Lost Aircraft News Release

Potter County-Lost Aircraft News Release

4:05 PM Austin, PA – Numerous local and state agencies are working today to locate an aircraft which was reported as overdue last evening after failing to arrive at its destination airport in Saint Catharines, Ontario, Canada.

According to initial reports, the Federal Aviation Administration in Cleveland Center contacted the McKean County 911 Center last evening after they lost radar and radio contact with a small aircraft near Keating Summit, PA. The single engine Piper Cherokee airplane was flying from Richmond (VA) International Airport to St. Catharines Airport with 3 people on board when it changed course to avoid a thunderstorm. After the aircraft changed course, all contact with the aircraft was lost. Area fire departments and search and rescue teams combed the woods in the area for hours last night into early morning before regrouping to begin again after daylight.

The Civil Air Patrol has now taken command of the operation and they are joined by numerous local resources from Potter, McKean, Cameron and Elk Counties.

Regular briefings will occur throughout the operation as more information becomes available.