Divers needed for crash recovery

Published 10:29 am Monday, June 9, 2014

DULUTH — Specialized divers are expected to recover the body of a pilot whose small plane crashed into Lake Superior near Duluth.

St. Louis County first responders used sonar equipment to locate the plane’s wreckage about 140 feet below the water’s surface over the weekend.

Authorities said the plane lost contact with Duluth International Airport around 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Searchers in boats found a log book in debris about a mile offshore.

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St. Louis County Sheriff’s Sgt. Neal Porter said because the plane and pilot’s body are so deep, specialized divers will arrive Monday to work on recovery.

Reports said the FAA has a team of investigators in Duluth to search for the cause of the crash, but answers will have to wait until the wreckage can be removed from the depths of Lake Superior.