May Be Sonex Waiex Reported Missing Friday

The wreckage of an airplane found in a remote area of St. Johns County in Florida may be that of a Sonex Waiex that went missing Friday night with its owner on board, but the location of the wreckage is making it very difficult to reach the site and verify the plane's identity.

Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Justin Asbury said Sunday that only a portion of the tail number of the wreckage that was discovered is visible from the air, so it has not been confirmed that the aircraft was the one belonging to 77-year-old Raymond Miller of Palm Coast, FL. Miller took off from Flagler County Airport Friday morning and did not return.

The Daytona Beach News Journal reports that the wreckage was discovered Saturday morning about 12 miles NNW of the airport near Favor-Dykes State Park in St. Johns County in Florida. Much of the wreckage was submerged in deep mud in a swampy area near a creek, and tidal flows are making it very difficult to reach the site, according to officials.

Recovery of the plane began Monday, and it is likely that it will require a helicopter to lift the main part of the wreckage out of the swamp. It is not known if there was more than one person on board the plane.

(Image provided by the Florida Highway Patrol)

FMI: www.ntsb.gov