After six days, the body of missing pilot David McRae, 55, and his plane have finally been found in Lake Clark National Park.
Lt. Col. Candis Olsmstead directs public affairs for the Alaska National Guard said weather cleared enough today to get close to the area.
The Civil Air Patrol helped with the search and ultimately found the site.
Longtime bush pilot McRae and his plane, a single engine Pilatus Porter, were found at an altitude of 6,500 feet, but authorities have not described the crash site or a possible cause.
He had been flying Friday evening from Lake Hood to Lake Clark through Merrill Pass when his plane went down.
Olmstead said pararescue crews got down to the wreck site Thursday.
“They hoisted down to the site and they were able to find Mr. McRae and they did recover his body and transported and released him to the state medical examiner,” Olmstead said.
Weather had hampered search efforts since last weekend.
His next of kin have been notified.
