Richard Martin: Body of Michigan pilot, 82, found days after he went missing following takeoff in home-built plane
DOWAGIAC, MICHIGAN: The lifeless body of an 82-year-old Michigan aviator, Richard Martin, have been located following his disappearance on September 10 in his personally constructed aircraft.
Martin's remains were discovered on the afternoon of September 14 after diligent first responders were alerted to a plane crash in a wooded vicinity off M-51 North, near Elm St, approximately two miles north of Dowagiac.
The Dowagiac Police Department relayed this information in an official press release.
Where did Richard Martin disappear?
The search for Martin commenced after his departure from Dowagiac Municipal Airport at approximately 11 am local time on September 10, as indicated in a prior news release.
Oscar Azevedo, Martin's close friend and the airport manager, shared insights with CBS affiliate WWMT-TV, revealing that Martin was a hobbyist who routinely used his 2005 experimental aircraft during favorable weather conditions.
"First Responders were guided to the location of a downed airplane by the Michigan State Police Aviation Unit," police said.
"Once, on scene Officers located the downed aircraft and confirmed it was a silver Sonex Airplane with Tail Number N569SX," they added.
How did cops find the missing pilot’s body?
As the days passed, the search operation intensified, involving drones, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), aircraft, and ground personnel, as reported by CBS affiliate WSBT-TV.
Martin's lack of a shared flight plan compounded the challenge of locating him.
Kathy, Martin's devoted wife, habitually awaited his return from these flights at the airport, as reported by WWMT-TV.
The couple would journey to the airport, where Kathy would sunbathe while her husband enjoyed his flights, according to Azevedo.
As Martin appeared to be away longer than usual, it led to growing concerns.
Kathy remained hopeful that her husband would be found alive, according to WWMT-TV.
The investigation into the factors contributing to the plane crash remains ongoing, as reported by the law enforcement department.
Where was missing pilot Richard Martin’s body found?
On September 14, the Dowagiac Police department officially confirmed that Martin’s dead body was discovered alongside his Silver Sonex Airplane, which, according to WJFW, had a wingspan of approximately 15 feet or less.
The Van Buren County Sheriff's office noted that the plane was located fully intact. Richard Martin was discovered alongside the aircraft, deceased.
According to a statement, the search teams received a crucial tip that ultimately guided them to a field approximately 15 miles away, situated along M-51 North.
This information played a pivotal role in helping the search teams narrow down their efforts and ultimately locate the aircraft.