Search Was Centered Near Kodiak, Alaska

The Coast Guard suspended the search for a missing helicopter pilot near Kodiak, Alaska, Wednesday. Missing is Andy Teuber from Anchorage, last seen wearing a hat, black sweater, and jeans. The helicopter he’s reported to be flying is a black and white Robinson R66 with the tail number N1767. Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Anchorage command center received notification from a family member at 5 p.m. that Teuber left Merrill Field Airport at 2:09 p.m. with intentions of traveling to Kodiak. Teuber’s last known location was approximately 66 nautical miles northeast of Kodiak.

Coast Guard boat and aircrews dedicated over 13 hours of search time and covered approximately 888 square nautical miles.

Extensive air assets were brought into the search. Involved in the search were three MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrews and an HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, and the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Stratton.

“The debris that was initially located yesterday evening was consistent with debris that would have been found on the overdue helicopter,” said Cmdr. Matthew Hobbie, search and rescue mission coordinator, Coast Guard Sector Anchorage.

“After an extensive search with our available assets resulting in inconclusive findings, it’s with a heavy heart that we have to suspend this search pending any new information. I offer my deepest condolences to those affected by this incident.”

FMI: www.uscg.mil