Tributes are mounting after two men were killed when a small plane went down in rugged terrain in Okanogan County during a flight from British Columbia to Idaho.
The victims were identified as 61-year-old Nicholas Grachanin, the pilot, and passenger Jim Merik, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Search and rescue crews discovered the wreckage of the 1976 Piper Cub aircraft in Aeneas Valley near Tonasket at approximately 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11.
Both men were found dead inside the plane. Their families have been notified.
The aircraft had departed Penticton, British Columbia, on Saturday, Oct. 10, bound for Grangeville, Idaho.
During the flight, Grachanin lost communication with Seattle Center air traffic control. His daughter subsequently contacted the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office to report the plane and its occupants missing.
WSDOT’s Aviation Emergency Services team launched a search Saturday evening, initially concentrating on the aircraft’s last known radar positions between Oroville and Okanogan.
Investigators also used cellphone forensic information to help narrow potential search areas.
As the search expanded, crews focused on Aeneas Valley, Wauconda and surrounding mountainous terrain.
Multiple agencies joined the effort, including the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office, Okanogan County Emergency Management, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office air support unit, Civil Air Patrol and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.
Authorities had urged residents to report possible sightings and avoid flying personal drones near search aircraft.
The search ended Sunday afternoon when crews located the wreckage and confirmed both occupants had died.
Victims Remembered
Grachanin was a longtime flight instructor and co-founder of the Clearwater Valley Aero Club, a nonprofit organization established to help make aviation more accessible and affordable to the community.
Meanwhile, a heartfelt tribute shared on Facebook by Dalton Howard remembered Marek as a beloved friend and mentor who made a lasting impression on those around him.
“You were such a good person to so many and awesome with all kids they all loved you,” Howard wrote.
Howard also thanked Marek for years of guidance and support, ending his tribute with a message of love and remembrance.
Investigation Into Crash Continues
WSDOT Air Search and Rescue Coordinator and Incident Commander Tom Peterson expressed condolences to the victims’ families following the discovery.
“On behalf of the search and rescue team, WSDOT extends our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives,” Peterson said. “We are thankful to everyone who contributed their time, expertise and resources to this search effort.”
WSDOT said its search and rescue mission has concluded.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the crash.
