The decision was made to restrict the airspace until the end of this Thursday afternoon.
A small plane with two people on board – the pilot and a passenger – disappeared while flying over the Galapagos Islands, in Ecuador, reported the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) of the South American country.
The disappearance occurred on Wednesday. The plane, a Pipistrel Virus SW type aircraft, with registration HCU 0076, took off from the San Cristobal Airport, in the Galapagos, at 09:51 [hora local]to make a flight to the north of Isabela Island, in the same archipelago.
“The aircraft was scheduled to land at the San Cristobal Airport at approximately 3:30 p.m.“Added the DGAC in its press release.
But after not having contact with the Control Tower, the response procedures were activated, such as the Emergency Operations Center (COE), by the Galapagos Government Council, and the Search and Rescue Service (SAR) of the DGAC.
ATTENTION | We report that the search for an ultra-light aircraft that lost contact yesterday afternoon near Isabela Island continues. pic.twitter.com/2VzvvCXKiG
– Galapagos Government (@CGGalapagos) April 13, 2023
Until now they continue with the search and rescue actions. To carry out these works, the DGAC made the decision to restrict the airspace in the area up to 4,000 feet. The measure is in effect until 5:00 p.m. this Thursday.
The Ecuadorian Navy also participates in the search and rescue work of the aircraft, through the Regional Directorate of Aquatic Spaces and Insular Coast Guard.
Source: RT
