VALDEZ – A pilot, who went missing Monday night, was found dead Thursday afternoon by Alaska Army National Guard searchers, according to Alaska State Troopers. Andy Andersen, 38, of Sutton left Valdez around 5pm Monday night and was expected to arrive at his home in Sutton around 6:30pm.
On Thursday afternoon, an Alaska Army National Guard HH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and crew located the aircraft wreckage and deceased pilot at the top of Thompson Pass about 1,000 feet off the Richardson Highway. The Alaska State Troopers received report of an overdue aircraft with one person aboard at 8:21pm Monday and notified the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center (AKRCC). Poor weather conditions hampered rescue efforts that included AKRCC, Civil Air Patrol (CAP), US Coast Guard, Alaska State Troopers and Alaska Army National Guard assets. On Wednesday, July 13th Valdez Police and Fire Departments flew drones in a specified search area in support of the AKRCC and the Backcountry Search and Rescue Team were given assignments and were on standby when the wreckage was located. Several Valdez locals provided food and support for the searchers as well. The next of kin has been notified. NTSB will investigate the cause of the crash.