Search In Progress For Missing Aircraft, Pilot

A search for a missing airplane and its pilot has been underway since Wednesday, February 28th. James Willess was en route from California to Virginia in a Van’s Aircraft RV-6 when the plane disappeared from radar over a remote section of the park (for particulars on the RV-6, click on “More Information” below). The park was notified on Saturday. An intensive search was begun that involved park staff, Texas Highway Patrol officers, and Civil Air Patrol and Texas Department of Public Safety aircraft. Ground crews have searched all of the high probability search areas and aircraft have conducted both high and low level searches, but no signs of Willess or his aircraft have been found. Ground crews were scheduled to wrap-up their efforts yesterday. Civil Air Patrol aircraft will continue with air searches.