The Coast Guard has recovered debris that they believe is from the missing Cessna airplane that disappeared last night.
And they have identified the pilot on board as Jose Krall, co-owner of Maui Bake Shop and Deli in Wailuku.
Jose Krall was traveling last night from Kahului to Molokai, when his plane disappeared off the radar.
His wife, and restaurant partner, says he is an experienced pilot who loved to fly.
Coast Guard search crews covered about 180 square nautical miles of ocean since a Cessna 172S plane disappeared off the radar at about 7 o’clock last night.
Today, they found a debris field about two-and-a half miles north of Paia, Maui.
"There’s landing gear, life jacket, aircraft antenna and have also seen some debris that would be consistent with what’s found in the interior of an aircraft," says Lt.Leigh Cotterell, with the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard says that aircraft belonged to Jose Krall- the pilot, and only person believed to be on the plane when it crashed.
"Based on the debris we found thus far and the nature of the crash, the Coast Guard believes the crash would likely be unsurvivable," says Cotterell.
The news came as a shock to his family and the entire community.
When Jose was not flying, you could find him here at the Maui Bake Shop and Deli, where he and his wife Claire ran the business together.
"We’ve had the business for 22 years," said Claire Krall.
It’s become a landmark in Wailuku.
"Everyone in Wailuku knows of the bakery, that used to be the old Yokouchi bakery and they came in and redid it and renovated it and made it an icon in our little town," said Maui County Councilmember Mike Victorino.
But that may soon be a thing of the past.
"It’s a hard time right now. I have to get everything closed and sold," said Claire Krall.
As his wife closes the doors to the bakery, the Coast Guard is deciding whether to wrap up their search efforts.
In the meantime, family members and the community hold onto a glimmer of hope.
"We’re saddened at the news and hope the outcome is on a positive note and they’ll find him, if not, he’s going to be sorely missed," said Victorino.
The Coast Guard says that debris could be washing ashore from Kahului to Poelua bay.
If you find related debris, you are asked to call the Coast Guard at 842-2601.
They said the debris could help their investigation into what
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
