Theft and Discovery
According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) representatives, a Cessna 182S airplane was stolen from the owner's hangar at Orcas Island Airport (KORS) in East Sound, Washington. The registered owner reported that he last flew the airplane on November 7, 2008, after which it was stored in the hangar.
On November 12, 2008, at about 0900, a witness observed the airplane circling at a low altitude approximately nine miles south of White Swan, Washington. Shortly thereafter, at 0917, Yakama Nations Tribal Police received reports of a downed airplane in the same general area. About 30 minutes later, the airplane was found abandoned.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage.
Investigation Status
As of the time of the report, the pilot has not been located or identified, and the purpose of the unauthorized flight is not known.