Search To Resume Wednesday For Lost Plane

Officials confirmed Tuesday that human remains found last week are male, but did not provide further details on the identity. 

Searchers are focused on an area of the lake bottom about the size of a football field, where they found a 20 foot section of the plane’s body, an engine, wheel and several seats. In total, 170 pieces of debris from the plane, including personal items, have been found.

Airport commissioner Khalid Bahhur said at a press conference at Burke Lakefront Airport that they’re confident they’ve narrowed in on the right areas for searching.

“Realistically, we’re looking at one to three more days this week, conditions allowing, to be out on the water to continue our recovery effort,” said Bahhur.

Six passengers were on the Columbus-bound flight when it disappeared over Lake Erie shortly after takeoff on December 29 ^th. Bahhur says it looks like the aircraft broke up on impact. Divers recovered the plane’s voice recorder on Friday and debris is being examined at a secure building at the airport.

Officials plan to have divers back in the water Wednesday morning with the search expected to take up to three days to complete.