Search crews looking for missing plan in Etowah County

Search crews looking for missing plan in Etowah County

Efforts?

Right now -- more than 75 volunteers are spread out across a 9 square mile radius in this community.

This includes deputies from the marshall county sheriff's office.

A few hours ago i spoke with the etowah county sheriff.

He confirmed the plane was flown by a man from calhoun county georgia.

He said it is a small plane -- and that makes it very difficult to spot any wreckage in this wooded area with high grass.

Now you're looking at helicopters from alea that took off earlier today.

Here's what we know about the timing of this missing plane.

Etowah county sheriff jonathon horton said the plane -- zenith stol ch750 - took off from georgia mid- morning thursday.

It was headed for mississippi for a fuel stop.

The pilot made it to tupelo.

It circled the airport but never landed.

Then it headed east.

The sheriff said the pilot went off the radar between 5 and 6 last night.

Then was officially reported missing around 8.

That's when the initial search efforts began, including helicopters with special technology "some of them have heat- seeking capabilities, so it just really gives you the bird's eye view of things you can't see on foot, especially when you're in a heavily wooded area like we are."

Authorities will continue to search until the sun goes down -- which could be around 7:30 or 8.

If the search does continue tomorrow -- donations for food and water are welcomed here at aurora missionary baptist church.

Reporting live in etowah co.

Mr waay 31