Updated: Responders locate crashed aircraft after extensive search

ByLocal Sources Reading Time: 2 minutes

Orange County–Several agencies were involved with the search and rescue of a downed aircraft in Orange County overnight between Saturday and Sunday.

At 9:38 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, the Orange County 911 Communications Center (Dispatch) received a call from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reporting a possible downed single-engine aircraft near the Orange/Lawrence County line.

Guided by dispatch, who mapped and relayed multiple GPS coordinate sets provided by the FAA in real time, Sheriff Davy Henderson and Orange County Sheriff Deputies Devin Qualkenbush, Ryan Duckett, and Glenn Schmidt launched an immediate ground search in rugged, heavily wooded terrain. Working in concert with partner agencies, teams searched on foot and utilized unmanned aerial systems equipped with thermal imaging capabilities. Paoli Police Department and the Martin County Sheriff’s Office augmented the effort with their drone teams.

Despite repeated attempts to secure air search-and-rescue assets, adverse weather made aircraft support unavailable. Dispatch continued to coordinate units, update search grids, and manage interagency communications throughout the night.

At approximately 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 5, a joint team from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Indiana State Police (ISP) located the aircraft in dense woods near Old Vincennes Road. The pilot was found alive with minor, non-life-threatening injuries. Officers and fire/EMS personnel administered first aid and assisted with a stretcher carry-out from the hillside to awaiting medical units.

“Our Dispatchers set the tone for this entire operation,” said Sheriff Davy Henderson. “They took the FAA’s call, plotted changing coordinates, kept every team aligned, and enabled our deputies and partners to move quickly and safely in very difficult terrain. We’re grateful for the teamwork that brought this to a successful outcome.”

The Indiana State Police and the FAA will continue the investigation into the cause of the crash. No further information about the pilot is being released at this time.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department extends its sincere thanks to every dispatcher, deputy, officer, trooper, firefighter, EMT, and partner agency member whose efforts contributed to locating the pilot and bringing them to safety.

Agencies/Units Recognized

  • Orange County Sheriff’s Department (Sheriff Davy Henderson; Deputies Devin Qualkenbush, Ryan Duckett, Glenn Schmidt)
  • Orange County 911 Communications Center (Dispatch)
  • Indiana State Police (including Jasper and Bloomington Districts; Troopers Noah Ewing, Sam Wagner, Mackenzi Alexander, Blake Leary, Logan McDowell)
  • Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office
  • Martin County Sheriff’s Office
  • Paoli Police Department (drone team)
  • Orange County EMS/Fire
  • Lawrence County EMS/Fire
  • Martin County EMS/Fire
  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Share