No Evidence Of The Glasair Or Its Pilot In Nearly A Month

A former city councilman in Tonasket, WA, went missing July 24th flying his kit-built Glasair (similar aircraft pictured in file photo) from Tonasket to Sequim, WA. He was making the trip to pick up a family member when the plane went missing.

Authorities mounted a search when the plane was reported overdue, but no evidence of the Glasair or the pilot, Ed Jeffko, has been located. The search, which was coordinated by the Washington State Department of Transportation, included WSDOT, Civil Air Patrol,and Washington Air Search and Rescue aircraft. More than 100 flights were conducted over Jeffko's presumed route of flight.

No flight plan had been filed for the VFR flight.

Jeffko, 72, had been a city councilman in Tonasket, and according to the Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune had remained active in the civic arena. He had been a pilot for about 40 years, and the Glasair was described as his "pride and joy." He reportedly completed the kit about two years ago.

The official search was suspended July 29th. Hikers and backpackers in the region are still being asked to be on the lookout for Jeffko or his airplane.

FMI: www.wsdot.wa.gov