Missing Ohio Plane: 120 Pieces of Debris Found

CLEVELAND, OH - The search for a plane that went missing from Burke Lakefront Airport on Thursday is continuing. Cleveland Police said they have found 120 pieces of debris that are consistent with a Cessna 525 Citation, the plane that disappeared. Police have also confirmed that they found a bag floating in Lake Erie that belonged to one of the plane's passengers.

“We want to remind everyone that this is an active investigation,” said Calvin Williams, Chief of Police, in a statement. “If you see something that could be debris from the plane, we are asking people to avoid touching it, and to call the Division of Police immediately.”

A Cleveland Police helicopter has been searching the lake, and search efforts will be renewed throughout the week. Cleveland Police say they have located several items that could be debris from the plane, but they have been unable to confirm the debris' origin.

The search today will include seven vessels and four dive teams and will cover a 35 to 45 foot water grid about 2.5 miles north on Lake Erie. Anyone who sees debris should call the non-emergency number of the Cleveland Division of Police at 216-621-1234 or Burke Lakefront Airport at 216-781-6411.

The plane took off from Burke Lakefront at about 11 p.m. and dropped off the radar shortly thereafter. After dropping off the radar shortly after 11 p.m., the Coast Guard was contacted by Air Traffic Control Services at 11:30 p.m., who requested assistance in locating the missing plane. Crews have been searching an area about two or three miles north of the airport.

Photo from the US Coast Guard