*** SAR Simms, Missing Aircraft PA-22 with 1 person on Board *** Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997 15:24:11 +0800 From: Graham.Newbold@ibm.net (by way of Mike Doyle ) To: sar-l@islandnet.com Subject: SAR Simms, Missing PA-22 with 1 POB Just completed an interesting search for a light aircraft with one person on board. The Last Known Position was Head Lake in southern Ontario with a track via the shoreline of Georgian Bay to a small town called Elliot Lake in northern Ontario. He left on the 30th Oct 1215 lcl to be at destination 3 hrs later. He left no clues behind, there were no good sighting reports and his ELT was never heard. An extensive search over 11 days was carried out by 7 military SAR and as many as 6 CASARA aircraft per day. Over 805 search hours were flown. I'd hate to think of the final cost. The interesting thing about this search though was the efforts of the CASARA personnel involved. This was the first time in Ontario that a combined provincial effort was brought together on search. 6 of the 9 Ontario units were operating out of the same location in a joint military/CASARA SHQ. In all, 84 CASARA personnel were deployed to the search operation. Not only did they supply search aircraft and spotters for the military a/c, but the assisted in the operation of the SHQ. All in all, it was an excellent effort and proof that the concept of CASARA as a viable and effective organization is working. As a final sad note, dispite the hard work by CASARA and military crews the missing aircraft and man were not found. It is suspected that he force landed or crashed into Georgian Bay in rough conditions and the a/c sank without a trace. If anyone has any questions about the incident don't hesitate to drop a note. I should also thank Mike Doyle for the assistance he provided them. During the search he was able to pass on a few ideas that helped the CASARA operation run a little smoother. CASARA is becoming very interested in the Incident Command System for use by their organization and I would love to hear some suggestions where they might find ICS info that might relate well to an Air SAR organization Capt Gray Newbold CASARA Liaison Officer 424 Rescue Sqn 8 Wing Trenton Ontario gnewbol@ibm.net ---------------------------------