Search for Missing Solvang Pilot Suspended

Kari Cobb, a spokeswoman for Yosemite National Park says the search over the North Dome area has been suspended until spring of next year. Heavy snow and low visibility have created hazardous rescue conditions. KEY News has learned pilot Nicol Wilson, 68, lives in Solvang and flies a 1966 Single-Engine Mooney.Wilson’s family reported him missing Monday when he didn’t arrive at his destination in Mammoth Lakes.The plane disappeared from radar as it flew over the North Dome area of Yosemite National Park. Cobb said pilots will concentrate their search in this area, however, it is possible the plane may have flown out of the park’s boundaries.A California Highway Patrol helicopter and two fixed-wing planes flown by the Civil Air Patrol are leading the search which is at 8,000 to 10,000 foot elevation.Approximately 60 personnel assisted in the air search, including Search and Rescue teams from Yosemite National Park, California Highway Patrol and Civil Air Patrol.