WA WA - Ed Jeffko, 72, Tonasket, 23 July 2012 - Missing pilot and plane

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  • #41
Here is the website for WASAR....Washington Air Search And Rescue.

http://www.wasar.org/


Washington Air Search and Rescue (WASAR) is made up of state trained and qualified search pilots, observers, communications and base support personnel who live in or near Washington and who want to do something meaningful in service to the State’s citizens. Our members are dedicated to the ideals of search and rescue, come from all walks of life, and are willing to give of their time, equipment and expertise in order to help save lives
 
  • #42
http://www.q13fox.com/news/kcpq-wenatchee-plane-search-20120724,0,7926424.story

Search called off for missing pilot of homemade aircraftThe search for pilot Ed Jeffko, who took off from Tonasket July 23 but did not make his scheduled landing in Sequim in a home-built aircraft, has been called off. Officials from various agencies were involved in the search, which spanned the state.

Search crews flew a total of more than 200 hours in areas in the Cascades,Winthrop, Stevens P
 
  • #43
  • #44
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2012/jul/30/search-suspended-for-missing-plane/

Search suspended for missing plane
EAST WENATCHEE — Rescue agencies Sunday suspended the search for a single-engine, kit aircraft that went missing July 23 somewhere between Tonasket and Sequim.

Agencies spent more than 2,000 hours last week searching for the plane and its lone passenger, pilot Ed Jeffko, a former Tonasket city councilman.

Agencies printed fliers about the missing plane for the Jeffko family to distribute to stores and businesses along Highway 20 to Concrete and Highway 97 to Oroville, Peterson said.

Searchers hope that people who were hiking or camping while the search was going on and who may not have heard about the missing plane may see one of the fliers and contact authorities with clues.
 
  • #45
This does NOT mean we're going to stop looking for Ed. It just means that there wont be as many resources.
He's out there..we'll find him.
Alot of prayers and good thoughts are going out to the family.
 
  • #46
Gatekeeper, I'm so sorry that they have stopped searching for Ed. I thought they would be out there for another week. I guess they feel they have covered all the areas where it is thought Ed may have flown over and now it comes down to areas that can't be seen from the air so hikers and campers come into the picture.
I hope there will be a happy outcome to this and my thoughts are with you and Ed's family.
 
  • #47
ditto taagen's post.

Mr Jeffko's case is new to me tonight & I just read thru all the posts & links. He sounds like a great guy & I know you. his family & friends are frantic. Prayers he is safe & will be located soon. It's possible, do not give up hope.
 
  • #48
I can't believe they stopped searching already. I know S&R is very demanding and difficult but isn't that their job if they aren't just volunteers. Like another poster said it must be because they've searched all the areas around the Casecades that could be visibly searched from planes/heli's. So many people in the NW go camping and hiking in the summer months in State Parks and more experienced hikers into remote areas.

Why would they stop that makes me so sad - what else is going on in WA state that they need to divert their resources away from reuniting a well known community member with his worried family. I just don't understand it. :(

I feel a day late and a dollar short on the map (stepped on wasp and medz knocked me out for awhile). I could still post it with highlighted nearby airports.

Obviously everyday citizens can't go hiking and searching into dangerous areas of the Cascades which makes things difficult. I hope there are being fliers and signs put up in small towns within the possible flight path encouraging people to check their property. (especially towns along I-90, highway 2 and highway 97).

Putting good thoughts out there for Ed and his family/friends. Same with you GateKeeper.
 
  • #49
  • #50
I want to thank you fellow WSers. And to let you know we're not giving up. Ill post when I get news regarding Ed.
Please keep the good thoughts coming.
 
  • #51
GateKeeper said:
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2012/aug/01/vigil-for-missing-pilot-planned-friday/

Vigil for missing pilot planned Friday

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

TONASKET — The Community Cultural Center of Tonasket is hosting a candlelight vigil Friday for Ed Jeffko, the former city councilman who took off in his plane July 23 and hasn’t been seen since.
Click to expand...

Very sad. I don't know him but little Tonasket is my hometown, the community must be very upset. I will pray for his safe return.
 
  • #52
My prayers will be added to the bunch--I'm just now seeing this information.
 
  • #53
Gatekeeper - I'm going to ask some tough questions, so please don't take offense.
Because of his age, (72), a medical issue comes to mind. Was he in good health? Had he exhibited any signs of dementia? It's not uncommon for people with even the early signs of dementia or Alzheimers to go on an adventure and get lost. No offense to anyone, but these questions should be considered. I will pray for Ed's safe return. Both he and his wife look like wonderful people. God Bless!
 
  • #54
SassyBenton said:
Very sad. I don't know him but little Tonasket is my hometown, the community must be very upset. I will pray for his safe return.
Click to expand...

WHOA...small,small world...my hometown too. :seeya:
 
  • #55
rosesfromangels said:
Gatekeeper - I'm going to ask some tough questions, so please don't take offense.
Because of his age, (72), a medical issue comes to mind. Was he in good health? Had he exhibited any signs of dementia? It's not uncommon for people with even the early signs of dementia or Alzheimers to go on an adventure and get lost. No offense to anyone, but these questions should be considered. I will pray for Ed's safe return. Both he and his wife look like wonderful people. God Bless!
Click to expand...

Thanks Rosefromangels....thats a great question! Ed is a healthy guy AFAIK. To retain your license to fly,you must pass an annual medical exam. This exam is extensive and thorough.
And thank you for the prayers.
 
  • #56
Any cell phone pings?
Any credit card or ATM transactions since he's been missing?
 
  • #57
rosesfromangels said:
Any cell phone pings?
Any credit card or ATM transactions since he's been missing?
Click to expand...

No.
He DOES have his cell phone with him though,but theres been no contact and no triangulation on a ping.
This weekend I believe there is going to be a "private search". Family and friends arent giving up. Ed and his wife are very loved...and we want to bring them back together.
 
  • #58
northxnorthwest said:
I can't believe they stopped searching already. I know S&R is very demanding and difficult but isn't that their job if they aren't just volunteers. Like another poster said it must be because they've searched all the areas around the Casecades that could be visibly searched from planes/heli's. So many people in the NW go camping and hiking in the summer months in State Parks and more experienced hikers into remote areas.

Why would they stop that makes me so sad - what else is going on in WA state that they need to divert their resources away from reuniting a well known community member with his worried family. I just don't understand it. :(

I feel a day late and a dollar short on the map (stepped on wasp and medz knocked me out for awhile). I could still post it with highlighted nearby airports. Obviously everyday citizens can't go hiking and searching into dangerous areas of the Cascades which makes things difficult. I hope there are being fliers and signs put up in small towns within the possible flight path encouraging people to check their property. (especially towns along I-90, highway 2 and highway 97).

Putting good thoughts out there for Ed and his family/friends. Same with you GateKeeper.
Click to expand...

nxnw...actually Im desperate for a good map!
What I really need is a map of the Cascades,particularly the Glacier Wilderness area. I think what Im looking for is "water"...like some small lakes or ponds. I know thats a lot of area to be looking for a body of water,but there HAS to be an aerial map out there some where of the North Cascades.
UGH...frustration!!
SO...if theres any "Map Gurus" out there....wink wink.. ;)


BTW...ALL you guys are awesome!!
 
  • #59
GateKeeper said:
nxnw...actually Im desperate for a good map!
What I really need is a map of the Cascades,particularly the Glacier Wilderness area. I think what Im looking for is "water"...like some small lakes or ponds. I know thats a lot of area to be looking for a body of water,but there HAS to be an aerial map out there some where of the North Cascades.
UGH...frustration!!
SO...if theres any "Map Gurus" out there....wink wink.. ;)


BTW...ALL you guys are awesome!!
Click to expand...

Here's a link to a simple map I created for you in Google Maps showing Tonasket, Glacier Peak and Sequim, WA. You can zoom in to the Glacier Peak area and see lakes, etc.

http://goo.gl/maps/huFn0

Hope this helps!
 
  • #60
Betty P said:
Here's a link to a simple map I created for you in Google Maps showing Tonasket, Glacier Peak and Sequim, WA. You can zoom in to the Glacier Peak area and see lakes, etc.

http://goo.gl/maps/huFn0

Hope this helps!
Click to expand...

Thank you Betty P.!!!
Its such a vast area to search for such a tiny plane...ya know.
 
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