DATED 2:20 p.m.The aircraft with two people aboard remains missing and Crittenden County Emergency Management has enlisted the assistance of local pilot Jamie Hunt to help search for the plane. Hunt has a small, private plane at the Marion Airport and is taking to the skies to assist search and rescue personnel who have been unable so far to locate the missing plane or its passengers. Kentucky State Police are also bringing a helicopter to the area within the next hour.
UPDATED 1:01 p.m.
Pope County (Ill.) Sheriff Jerry Suits told The Crittenden Press that there is an active ground and aerial search for the missing plane. Illinois State Police as well as sheriff's departments from neighboring counties are helping Pope County authorities in the search. Suits said he expects and update around 3 p.m.
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Authorities in Crittenden County and southern Illinois have been looking overnight and early this morning for the plane. It is believed that two people were on board the aircraft. Heavy storms were reported in the area last night about the time the plane went missing.
Search and rescue crews are scouring the area near Herod in Pope County, Ill., where there is some indication the plane may be located.
According to Marion Police Chief Ray O'Neal, Williamson County authorities say the aircraft never arrived at its intended destination. While investigators are not sure what happened to the plane, they continue to search remote areas along the intended flight route.
The Press Online will continue following this breaking news story today.
