The wreckage of a six-seat single-engine plane that disappeared from radar in a mountainous area of Idaho shortly after its pilot radioed air traffic controllers about engine trouble on Dec. 1 was found Friday, officials said.
"There appears to be no survivors at this time. Due to weather conditions and a severe storm moving in recovery efforts may be delayed," Lt. Dan Smith of the Valley County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.
The pilot of the missing 1980s-model Beechcraft Bonanza plane was Dale Smith, 51, a Silicon Valley executive. He had been flying his adult son, the son's wife to their home in Butte, Mont., after spending the Thanksgiving holiday together in Oregon. Also on board as Smith's daughter and her fiance.
Authorities had suspended the search for the aircraft in mid-December — but a band of volunteers, including friends and relatives, kept looking.
Before disappearing from radar, Smith reported engine trouble and sought information about a strip where he hoped he could land safely.
