Coast Guard Ends Search for Missing Valley Pilot

WOODLAND HILLS, CA - The U.S. Coast Guard today said they suspended the search for a plane that went missing after departing Sunday from Catalina Island en route to Van Nuys Airport with a student pilot and instructor on board.

The operation was suspended about 8 p.m. Monday after more than 16 hours of searching, according to U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Third Class Loumania Stewart.

The single-engine Cessna 172 left Catalina Airport Sunday afternoon but failed to land at Van Nuys Airport, said Ian Gregor of the Federal Aviation Administration.

The Coast Guard was notified about 5:30 a.m. Monday that the plane had went missing, Stewart said.

"An HC-130 aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento and an MH-65 aircrew from Forward Operating Base Pt. Mugu were launched," she said "Based on information passed to the Coast Guard, crews saturated their search efforts around the island of Catalina spanning more than 1,400 square miles for the Cessna-type aircraft and its crew." With no signs of any aircraft or anyone in distress, the search was suspended about 8 p.m. Monday, she said.

"I'm not sure if any local authorities are searching (now)," Stewart said.

The student pilot was identified in media reports as Edmond Haronian, a Woodland Hills father of two. Relatives said they became concerned Sunday when they could not reach him and notified authorities.

City News Service