Wreck Of Skydiving Plane Found

Seven Out Of Ten Bodies Recovered In Washington; Remaining Three Passengers Also Believed Dead

(CBS/AP)  The search planes had headed home. The Air Force search helicopter equipped with night vision goggles had ended its day. Still, a Tacoma Mountain Rescue team pressed on in the darkness, following the smell of fuel to the wreckage of a plane in the rugged central Washington Cascades.

Neither the pilot nor nine skydivers aboard appeared to have survived.

Seven of the 10 on board "have been found deceased," Yakima County Sheriff Ken Irwin said in a statement released late Monday night by Yakima Valley Emergency Management.

A 25-member crew remained in the woods overnight and additional crews were mustered at daybreak Tuesday to resume the recovery effort, said Stewart Graham, the sheriff's chief of detectives.

The aircraft was found Monday evening at about 7:40 p.m. at the 4,600-foot level in the White Pass area, reports CBS affiliate KIMA-TV. The tail was missing from the plane, and has not been found.

"I'm told it was a horrific sight and the airplane crashed at a fairly high speed," said Jim Hall, director of Yakima Valley Emergency Management. "It appears that no one survived that crash."

The families of those aboard had been notified, said Hall, who had not been to the crash scene but spoke from a ground search command post near White Pass. The passengers and pilot were not immediately identified.

A National Transportation Safety Board investigation was expected to begin Tuesday, Hall said.

Searchers were able to verify the wreckage by serial number that it was the missing aircraft. The tail section was separated from the rest of the plane and was not immediately located, said Tina Wilson of Emergency Management.

The Cessna 208 Grand Caravan left Star, Idaho, near Boise, on Sunday evening en route to Shelton, Wash., northwest of Olympia, but did not arrive.

The plane had been returning from a skydiving meet in Idaho when it disappeared.

Members of Tacoma Mountain Rescue were among about 25 volunteers still searching after dark Monday in the area where the plane was believed to have gone down.

Based on radar transmissions and a hunter's report of seeing a plane flying low Sunday evening and then hearing a crash, the search was focused on a steep, densely forested area near White Pass, about 45 miles west of Yakima.

Search crews concentrated on a relatively small area of 5-10 square miles along the north fork of the Tieton River.

Six fixed-wing aircraft, the Air Force helicopter and a King County helicopter had searched all day Monday, said Tom Peterson, aviation and emergency services coordinator for the state Department of Transportation. The Air Force chopper flew for a while Monday evening but then was required to land because of a 12-hour duty limit for its crew members, he said.

The Transportation Department handled the air search while Yakima County coordinated the ground search.

One man at a Red Cross center at White Pass said earlier Monday that his 30-year-old son was aboard the plane. He displayed a family photo of the young man skydiving with a brother and sister.

"He worked hard and he played hard — we just want to find him," said the father, who did not give his name.

Elaine Harvey, co-owner of the skydiving company Skydive Snohomish, told The Seattle Times that nine of the 10 aboard were either employees of her business or else licensed skydivers who considered Snohomish their "home drop zone." Skydive Snohomish operates a training school and offers skydiving flights at Harvey Field in Snohomish County, about 20 miles north of Seattle.

Skydive Snohomish had nothing to do with the flight to Idaho or the event held there, Harvey said.

"These people were beloved friends," she told the Yakima Herald-Republic.

The plane was registered to Kapowsin Air Sports of Shelton.

The family-owned company had never lost a plane, Geoff Farrington, Kapowsin's co-owner, said earlier Monday. The plane also had never experienced mechanical problems, he added.

The single-engine plane was built in 1994, according to Federal Aviation Administration records.

[psychology67]

Oh, and badmoonrising?? I did not "witness" the deaths of my closest family members by these horrific means...I lived EVERY horrific moment, personally, painfully,and tragically...it''s not the same thing. Sorry.

You know what it means when they say your loved one "died on impact?" For us it was the coroner exiting the woods, describign to us in excruciating detail which body part was in which tree...the sheriff came out from the woods with his GIRLFRIEND in the front seat of his SUV, and WE were on the other side of yellow crime tape, facing a large, ignorant man with a gun...they got the Red Cross there before they EVEN told us they''d FOUND the crash site--and we''d been waiting two full days. My siblings, a former cop/military cousin and I and my mother go there and these fat Red Cross women in a trailer asked us if we wanted hot cider. We did not. We wanted to know where Daddy was, and all they would say was "he died on impact." They are improperly trained COWARDS.

So, yeah, I think I have a basis for commiseration with these families...it''s horrific, and my family got the FULL impact. I''ve witnessed a bunch of stuff, too...NONE of it matched hearing what happened to Daddy the morning he crashed on his way to work in the ER down there, or the night I labored to deliver the daughter I already knew had died...PLEASE don''t try to one-up me...it''s NOT about that...
Again, NAMASTE (Gooogle it if you have to)

[psychology67]

OMG...I am horrified at the thought that ANYONE would think I posted the same message multiple times on PURPOSE!!! It was an accident...there was some kind of glitch here that did not show I had actually posted my message--and I really jsut wanted people to know that I feel for the families!!! Especially having been there myself...

Fervent apologies to those who could not discern that!!!

[psychology67]

Hey...just to clarify--I KNOW these people were simply flying in a small plane, NO skydivign involved...When I mentioned the "visceral response" to the horrific crashes suffered by those who engage in excessively risky behavior, I MEANT exactly that...I did NOT mean 10 people who for whatever reason die in a horrible accident. The ONLY reason this came up is this group''s association with sky diving, and I simply wanted to explain a little about the variations in personalities that many argue account for the behavior so many on this board deem unfair, unreasonable, whatever ("why should we pay for these risk-takers'' mistakes and accidents.")

Also as stated earlier, my deepest sympathies are with the families--as a fellow family member of a person lost in the crash of a small plane, I KNOW I know in ways that few others do, what they are experiencing at this point. The only thing that happened to me that was worse was delivering my only child stillborn. But both deaths were pretty horrific...my 2 closest family members dying in such really unimaginable ways? One dying INSIDE my body, the other it''s not even polite to describe...I definitly feel for these families.

[kexp]

to thgdriver:

No, I got you just right. You''re a heartless moron that has no live outside of playing computer games. Instead, all you live for in your pathetic life is to stir *** up because mommy and daddy didn''t give you enough attention. Or, did daddy foolishly die in a skydiving incident and left you and mommy fighting to pay bills. Maybe that''s why you''ve become such a ******.

Did you even realize that 3 of those people on the plane had nothing to do with skydiving and none of them were even skydiving when the incident happened? No, you don''t. All you care about is "paying taxes".

[kexp]

[quote by thgdriver]"You got me wrong pal, you want to selfishly pursue a dangerous so called sport and kill yourself I really don''''t give a damm! I think I have already made that very clear."

Fool, they weren''t skydiving, they were on a trip. If you don''t like paying taxes, then here''s what you can do:

1. Move to a different country (we''ll all love to see you go)
2. Slit your wrists (we''ll all love to see you go)

[psychology67]

Hey...just to clarify--I KNOW these people were simply flying in a small plane, NO skydivign involved...When I mentioned the "visceral response" to the horrific crashes suffered by those who engage in excessively risky behavior, I MEANT exactly that...I did NOT mean 10 people who for whatever reason die in a horrible accident. The ONLY reason this came up is this group''s association with sky diving, and I simply wanted to explain a little about the variations in personalities that many argue account for the behavior so many on this board deem unfair, unreasonable, whatever ("why should we pay for these risk-takers'' mistakes and accidents.")

Also as stated earlier, my deepest sympathies are with the families--as a fellow family member of a person lost in the crash of a small plane, I KNOW I know in ways that few others do, what they are experiencing at this point. The only thing that happened to me that was worse was delivering my only child stillborn. But both deaths were pretty horrific...my 2 closest family members dying in such really unimaginable ways? One dying INSIDE my body, the other it''s not even polite to describe...I definitly feel for these families.

[badmoonryzn]

You are one scary person psychology67. I for one have witnessed death in my family from an airplane accident, cancer, stillborn, natural death and one of my crazy friends, but you know this is not our venue for sympathy; it belongs to the families who had this current tragedy. I do not know why you needed to post your response half a dozen times or more, but I see it as you trying to hijack this forum for yourself and to make sure you get heard over and over and over. Those posts came every few minutes and then up to almost an hour apart. It was not an accident; you made sure you got your point across. OK, you win. If you are truly a student of psychology take a good look at yourself. I read all the posts before I wrote mine and I was not inferring to you, but for some reason you chimed up. This is not about you, however if you would like to start a blog about your pain, do so, but please do not try to compare or compete with others. I am sorry for the pain in your life, heaven knows there is plenty to go around. I believe our rescue services are the best in the world and it%u2019s money well spent. Look at all of the people who are brought home alive who would have died without these wonderful people who risk their lives for morons like me who fall down a cliff and need to be brought out of woods fifty miles from no where. That was thirty years ago and without those wonderful people I would not have my beautiful children, life experiences or other things that make my life.

[psychology67]

Hey...just to clarify--I KNOW these people were simply flying in a small plane, NO skydivign involved...When I mentioned the "visceral response" to the horrific crashes suffered by those who engage in excessively risky behavior, I MEANT exactly that...I did NOT mean 10 people who for whatever reason die in a horrible accident. The ONLY reason this came up is this group''s association with sky diving, and I simply wanted to explain a little about the variations in personalities that many argue account for the behavior so many on this board deem unfair, unreasonable, whatever ("why should we pay for these risk-takers'' mistakes and accidents.")

Also as stated earlier, my deepest sympathies are with the families--as a fellow family member of a person lost in the crash of a small plane, I KNOW I know in ways that few others do, what they are experiencing at this point. The only thing that happened to me that was worse was delivering my only child stillborn. But both deaths were pretty horrific...my 2 closest family members dying in such really unimaginable ways? One dying INSIDE my body, the other it''s not even polite to describe...I definitly feel for these families.

[psychology67]

Hey...just to clarify--I KNOW these people were simply flying in a small plane, NO skydivign involved...When I mentioned the "visceral response" to the horrific crashes suffered by those who engage in excessively risky behavior, I MEANT exactly that...I did NOT mean 10 people who for whatever reason die in a horrible accident. The ONLY reason this came up is this group''s association with sky diving, and I simply wanted to explain a little about the variations in personalities that many argue account for the behavior so many on this board deem unfair, unreasonable, whatever ("why should we pay for these risk-takers'' mistakes and accidents.")

Also as stated earlier, my deepest sympathies are with the families--as a fellow family member of a person lost in the crash of a small plane, I KNOW I know in ways that few others do, what they are experiencing at this point. The only thing that happened to me that was worse was delivering my only child stillborn. But both deaths were pretty horrific...my 2 closest family members dying in such really unimaginable ways? One dying INSIDE my body, the other it''s not even polite to describe...I definitly feel for these families.

[boston1954]

Talk about ignorance, in todays world without mass transportation most folks have to drive to work. To compare this with jumping out of a plane or mountain climbing, bungee cord jumping thrill seekers is the height of ignorance. Posted by thgdriver at 02:03 PM : Oct 09, 2007

I agree.

[psychology67]

Hey...just to clarify--I KNOW these people were simply flying in a small plane, NO skydivign involved...When I mentioned the "visceral response" to the horrific crashes suffered by those who engage in excessively risky behavior, I MEANT exactly that...I did NOT mean 10 people who for whatever reason die in a horrible accident. The ONLY reason this came up is this group''s association with sky diving, and I simply wanted to explain a little about the variations in personalities that many argue account for the behavior so many on this board deem unfair, unreasonable, whatever ("why should we pay for these risk-takers'' mistakes and accidents.")

Also as stated earlier, my deepest sympathies are with the families--as a fellow family member of a person lost in the crash of a small plane, I KNOW I know in ways that few others do, what they are experiencing at this point. The only thing that happened to me that was worse was delivering my only child stillborn. But both deaths were pretty horrific...my 2 closest family members dying in such really unimaginable ways? One dying INSIDE my body, the other it''s not even polite to describe...I definitly feel for these families.

[psychology67]

Hey...just to clarify--I KNOW these people were simply flying in a small plane, NO skydivign involved...When I mentioned the "visceral response" to the horrific crashes suffered by those who engage in excessively risky behavior, I MEANT exactly that...I did NOT mean 10 people who for whatever reason die in a horrible accident. The ONLY reason this came up is this group''s association with sky diving, and I simply wanted to explain a little about the variations in personalities that many argue account for the behavior so many on this board deem unfair, unreasonable, whatever ("why should we pay for these risk-takers'' mistakes and accidents.")

Also as stated earlier, my deepest sympathies are with the families--as a fellow family member of a person lost in the crash of a small plane, I KNOW I know in ways that few others do, what they are experiencing at this point. The only thing that happened to me that was worse was delivering my only child stillborn. But both deaths were pretty horrific...my 2 closest family members dying in such really unimaginable ways? One dying INSIDE my body, the other it''s not even polite to describe...I definitly feel for these families.

[psychology67]

Hey...just to clarify--I KNOW these people were simply flying in a small plane, NO skydivign involved...When I mentioned the "visceral response" to the horrific crashes suffered by those who engage in excessively risky behavior, I MEANT exactly that...I did NOT mean 10 people who for whatever reason die in a horrible accident. The ONLY reason this came up is this group''s association with sky diving, and I simply wanted to explain a little about the variations in personalities that many argue account for the behavior so many on this board deem unfair, unreasonable, whatever ("why should we pay for these risk-takers'' mistakes and accidents.")

Also as stated earlier, my deepest sympathies are with the families--as a fellow family member of a person lost in the crash of a small plane, I KNOW I know in ways that few others do, what they are experiencing at this point. The only thing that happened to me that was worse was delivering my only child stillborn. But both deaths were pretty horrific...my 2 closest family members dying in such really unimaginable ways? One dying INSIDE my body, the other it''s not even polite to describe...I definitly feel for these families.

[psychology67]

Hey...just to clarify--I KNOW these people were simply flying in a small plane, NO skydivign involved...When I mentioned the "visceral response" to the horrific crashes suffered by those who engage in excessively risky behavior, I MEANT exactly that...I did NOT mean 10 people who for whatever reason die in a horrible accident. The ONLY reason this came up is this group''s association with sky diving, and I simply wanted to explain a little about the variations in personalities that many argue account for the behavior so many on this board deem unfair, unreasonable, whatever ("why should we pay for these risk-takers'' mistakes and accidents.")

Also as stated earlier, my deepest sympathies are with the families--as a fellow family member of a person lost in the crash of a small plane, I KNOW I know in ways that few others do, what they are experiencing at this point. The only thing that happened to me that was worse was delivering my only child stillborn. But both deaths were pretty horrific...my 2 closest family members dying in such really unimaginable ways? One dying INSIDE my body, the other it''s not even polite to describe...I definitly feel for these families.

[badmoonryzn]

Wow, what a bunch of thoughtless people. I wish there was some way someone could show you how stupid you look when you comment on something that does not exist. If you would take the time to read the whole article you would know they were on a flight back home and not doing anything but flying home in an airplane. It saddens me to see so many spout nonsense unrelated to what was going on and letting everyone know just how ignorant some people really are. Ten people lost their lives for heavens sake and most likely that is effecting nearly 300 people lives who loved and cared for these people. If someone behaved like that toward you when you had a loss you be freaking out and throwing a fit, so lighten up or shut the heck up! These poor people were doing nothing but riding in an airplane from Boise ID to Shelton WA. and you want to criticize paying for the rescue operations out of your taxes? If all of our tax money was spent that wisely we would be very lucky. If your kids or loved ones were in that plane you be on here whining about how stupid the rescuers are for taking so long and how you pay their wages so they should be faster, better and less stupid. You know, you people creep me out. Please, just go away and keep you selfless condescending opinions to yourselves. You know, you do have the option to read the whole article before so you can utter something intelligent without looking like a complete boob.

[miad3]

These people, one of who is my nephew, were on a regular flight home, not one set up to jump out of the plane.

thgdriver... what if all 10 of these people were on a regular commercial flight with 150 other passengers, would it be okay then for the rescue because they weren''t the ONLY people on the flight? What difference does it make that they chartered their own flight instead of using a commercial flight? I guess in your eyes the search would be justified if more people lost their lives.

[psychology67]

abodox...You make a good point. I, too, chose not to focus on the victims'' choice of sport, as it is irrelevant in most ways in this story. I have to say, though, that when I see people having grotesque crashes doing crazy-dangerous stuff jsut because they are adrenalin junkies, my visceral reaction is similar to that expressed by soem on this board...it seems so senseless, especially when there are unavoidable emrgencies all around us.

On the other hand?? The people who take those kinds of risks do so essentially because their brains are different from most people''s--if you think about it it''s logical that, human behavior tending to be on a bell curve, meaning the vast majority of humans are somewhere in the middle with few at either extreme of that behavior, soem people WILL naturally take more risks than others. So, if it''s basically jsut a foible of being human that soem people can tolerate more fear and stress and take part in risky behaviors, SHOULD they be restricted from doign so?? The test pilots who broke the ground for the space program tended to be this type of person. What if we restrict how much risk these people take because WE feel it''s abnormal, and we also restrict our knowledge about extreme activities and the people who do them?? I jsut don''t think our society is willing to do that yet, and frankly, when I think it through like that, I dont'' want us to, either...

[psychology67]

Unfortunatley there are a million crazy little--and not so little-things that could have gone wrong, and they may never know exactly what happened. I''m gald they were able to find them, it makes a difference.

Reading the article brought to mind vividly the details surrounding my father''s fatal crash into a forest, almost 9 years ago, He was not found for 2 nervewracking days, during which time we had to deal with a "bubba squad" for cops, it was so awful waiting, not knowing.

Flying is still safer than driving, and I believe any perceived increase in crashes is probably jsut that: a perception (more famous people getting lost, large groups--stories that "sell" happening in a clump)

And to the families...you are not alone in knowing the shock and horror of knowing what "died on impact" means...I wish you never did learn it. Namaste

[abodox33]

Read the article you guys!!! The passengers were in transport from Boise, ID to Shelton, WA. They were not engaged in skydiving when the plane went down. They were passengers on a plane that was coming home from a skydiving event. Jeez!

[dogsoul]

Honestly, I have to agree w/ the posters who say it shouldn''t be on THEIR dime to foot the expense of these things... I''ve gone skydiving, only did it once but I did it. I''ve also gone scuba diving a number of times - both after training & both knowing the risks. Now I DID minimize the risks by not engaging in any ''stunts'' or higher risk diving like caves or anything... and now that I''m married with a kid I won''t go skydiving again... but yeah - I wouldn''t expect ANYone else to pick up the tab or risk their own lives were something to have gone wrong - and when I see thrill seekers REALLY pushing the envelope, especially if they have kids... it ticks me off....