Arrest Warrant Was Issued For Missing Pilot

The wreckage of a downed aircraft was discovered Wednesday in the Nile, WA area... and the body recovered is believed to be that of a pilot reported missing since May.

A hunter located the wreckage in a very rugged, heavily vegetated area and notified authorities Wednesday morning, said Sgt. John Durand. The Yakima County Search and Rescue was activated and the body was recovered later that evening, according to the Yakima Herald-Republic.

Officials have said the plane appears to be the one flown by 53-year-old George E. Trupp. As ANN reported, volunteer aircraft from the Washington Air Search and Rescue and the local Civil Air Patrol squadron conducted a rigorous search for the rented Cessna 177B Cardinal (type shown above) that dropped off radar May 22 near Chinook Pass.

During the days-long search, speculation arose about Trupp's disappearance. He was scheduled to appear in Pierce County Superior Court that week on indecency charges, stemming from allegations he fondled a 20-year-old female babysitter. The Herald-Tribune also noted Trupp pleaded guilty in 1994 to communication with a minor for immoral purposes.

An official identification has yet to be made and an autopsy is scheduled for Friday. County Coroner Maury Rice confirmed the body was that of a man, but said he had not yet examined the flight bag and billfold found at the scene.

Trupp, who had received his private pilot license six months prior to the disappearance, had also taken his dog with him as well as a reported two-year supply of dog food, according to family members. A dog's body was found at the scene, but no dog food.

Sheriff Department Lt. Brian Winter said a burst of bad weather could have arisen unexpectedly and it is speculated Trupp was attempting to go to Yakima to avoid it.

Trupp was expected to have pleaded guilty to the indecent liberties charge, according to the newspaper.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov