Two Bodies Found, Second Plane And Third Person Still Missing Monday

The wreckage of an airplane and the remains of the two people on board were found in about 100 feet of water Sunday of the coast of southern California. It is believed that the aircraft was one of two involved in a mid-air collision Friday. The second plane and its pilot were still missing as of Monday.

ABC News reports that divers found the wreckage about two miles from Los Angeles Harbor. The search for the second airplane was set to resume Monday.

The search was launched Friday when an airplane flown by a 72-year-old woman was seen on radar colliding with a second aircraft with two men, ages 61 and 81 or board. The collision occurred off San Pedro just outside the harbor, officials said.

While the pilot of the second plane has not been identified, the woman's husband, Richard Falstrom, said it was his wife Mary. The two live in Torrance, CA.

Richard Falstrom said his wife, an experience pilot, said she was going out flying to enjoy the sunny weather Friday. News of the collision came hours later. While some of the debris from the plane carrying the two men, including a pilot's logbook, were found shortly after the accident, there has been no trace of Falstrom's airplane.

The two men were aboard a Beech Bonanza, according to the report. Falstrom was reportedly flying a Citabria, according to FAA spokesman Allen Kenitzer. Falstrom said his wife flew a Super Decathlon. Both are manufactured by American Champion aircraft.

Reuters reports that a fisherman saw the Bonanza impact the water, but he does not recall seeing the Super Decathlon

Mary Falstrom was a member of the Ninety-Nines, and volunteered at the Western Museum of Flight at Torrance Airport.

(Image from file. Not accident airplane)

FMI: www.ntsb.gov, www.americanchampionaircraft.com