Local News

A Civil Air Patrol plane made an emergency landing on U.S. Highway 395 north of Pasco Friday night, according to the Associated Press, citing an official from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The pilot and passenger were not injured. FAA spokesman Allen Kenitzer said in an email that the pilot of the Cessna 182 declared an emergency due to engine failure.

The plane managed to avoid traffic when it touched down around 9 p.m. near milepost 40. It was partially blocking the roadway for a few hours while the Air Patrol responded to remove it, though traffic was able to go around it, said Josh Keightley, State Patrol communications supervisor.

The plane suffered minor damage to its landing gear. The Washington State Patrol identified the pilot as 63-year-old John Townsley of Spokane. The patrol said the plane was flying from Richland to Spokane.

The Associated Press

The Washington state Aviation Division continues to search Thursday for a plane that failed to arrive Monday on a flight from Tonasket to Sequim.

Two of Jefflo’s children, who live and have businesses in Seattle, say they hope that if people are outdoors this weekend that keep an eye out for any sign of their father and his plane.

“Our dad is a highly-qualified pilot with over 40 years flight experience, and all that knowledge and skill leads us to believe that successfully landing in an emergency situation is likely — even in the rough terrain of the Cascade mountains,” said family member Paul Jeffko in a statement. “We remain hopeful that he will be located, and grateful to WSDOT and the hundreds of others actively searching.”

Anyone who may have seen or see something can call 360-410-7757 or email missingaircraft@wsdot.wa.gov.