Coast Guard continues to search for downed aircraft 110 miles east of Charleston

A Coast Guard rescue helicopter takes off from the deck of the Cutter Hamilton to continue searching for a downed civilian aircraft Oct. 27, 2018, 110 miles east of Charleston, South Carolina. The aircraft, a Piper PA-31, was en route to the Bahamas from South Carolina on when they declared an in-flight emergency and were lost on radar. (U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton)

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Coast Guard is continuing to search Saturday for a downed aircraft approximately 110 miles east of Charleston.

Coast Guard crews have searched approximately 3,000 square miles.The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) notified Coast Guard 7th Districtwatchstanders Thursday of a civilian aircraft emergency at 11:33 a.m. 

The Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center received a report from the aircraft of an in-flight emergency, lost contact on radar and notified the AFRCC. The aircraft, a Piper PA-31, was leaving from South Carolina to the Bahamas.

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-USCG-