No Signs of a Crash After Michael Martin’s Transponder Went Offline

No signs of 65-year-old pilot Michael Martin have been found after his aircraft’s transponder stopped transmitting on January 2. His plane was last reported at 10,000 feet near Jefferson Peak.

Martin is a seasoned pilot, aerospace engineer, and father of two. He owns a 1968 Piper Cherokee Six that he, according to his family, often flew during lunch breaks to unwind. His family reported that he always lets someone know before taking off and making a loop around Mount Charleston.

So, when he took off solo on January 2, it was nothing out of the ordinary. He departed from North Las Vegas Airport (VGT) at 10:51 am and headed northwest. However, his aircraft’s transponder mysteriously stopped transmitting at 11:15 am. Its location was last signaled at 10,000 feet just outside of Indian Springs.

Nye County authorities rushed to gather Martin’s phone, iPad, and watch data. His phone pinged at 12:06 pm near Tonopah, then his iPad and watch 20 minutes later near Mount Jefferson.

Search and rescue teams have used drones, helicopters, and ground crews to comb through the region in hopes of finding any sign of Martin or his aircraft. After over a week, all efforts have proven to be unsuccessful.

“Searchers are focusing their efforts on Martin's flight path and looking for physical evidence, but their efforts are being hampered by the cold and high winds,” explained Nye County Director of Emergency Management Scott Lewis. These conditions are worsened by the remote and steep mountains surrounding the search area.

One of Martin’s daughters explained that the family originally believed that he just needed a one-to-two-day break from the long and stressful holiday season. However, after two days with no sign of his plane and being unable to get in touch with him, they decided to report him missing.

The Nye County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information to reach out as the search continues.

FMI: www.nyecountysheriffsoffice.com