Missing 'Plane Search off Blackpool

[markmullen]

RNLI and CG teams searching for a light aircraft missing off the coast of Blackpool after it disappeared from radar this morning.

http://hmcoastguard.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/search-...

[MartG]

Not much chance of survival after this long if it did ditch

[Russ35]

Apparently 1 person on board. Based at IoM but not registered there.

Sand dunes have been searched, so now concentrating out at sea.

[markmullen]

Lifeboats working a search track a few miles off Blackpool and the CG helicopter in the area.

[MartG]

The RNLI has apparently reported that search and rescue teams have found a wreckage and oil slick. The search continues for the pilot

[Russ35]

Lifeboats and helicopter still out searching.

[markmullen]

Search suspended due to bad light. May resume in the morning pending a review. Some wreckage found.

[MartG]

Debris confirmed to be from the missing plane, and some has started washing up on the beaches. Sadly probably only a matter of time before the pilot's body washes up too

http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/local/missi...

[MartG]

"The pilot of a light aircraft which went missing off the coast of Blackpool has been named.

Ian Stirling, 73, of Douglas on the Isle of Man, was the pilot of a single engine Rockwell Commander flying from the Isle of Man to Blackpool Airport and was the only person on board.

Mr Stirling is currently missing.

A spokesman for Mr Stirling’s family said: “Ian was an experienced pilot who had flown this route many times. We are obviously in shock at what has happened and hoping against hope that he may be found alive.

“We’d like to thank everyone for their love and support at this difficult time and we would ask to be left alone to come to terms with what has happened.”

Contact was lost with the aircraft at shortly after 9am on Thursday (December 3rd) when the plane was about 3 miles off the Blackpool Coast over the Irish Sea.

An investigation by the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) is now underway."

[markmullen]

As the lifeboat I coxswain is independent I ought to add that Southport Rescue, another independent was out on the search in addition to RNLI and CG assets.