FRANKFORT, Mich. — Authorities have found the wreckage of a small plane that went missing over Lake Michigan with two men aboard, but the investigation is not finished as the search to find the two men continues.
The Michigan State Police and Benzie County Sheriff's Office said searchers found the plane Wednesday about 5 miles from the coastal city of Frankfort, in northern Michigan. They said the plane was in water about 515 feet deep.
Police said the door was open on the small plane when it was found, which has led them to believe occupants weren't inside of the plane when it went down. Police also believe the plane was at about 700 feet when it went off of radar.
Police say searchers used a rover with video equipment to confirm it was the plane and searched the aircraft and surrounding area but didn't find the men. Authorities earlier identified them as 65-year-old Randal Dippold, of Perry, and 53-year-old Emanuel Manos, of Monroe.
The plane took off May 12 from Ontonagon in the Upper Peninsula and was heading to Monroe in southeastern Michigan when it reportedly had engine trouble.
Police said searchers have searched the north and south shoreline of Lake Michigan, and police said the goal is to bring closure to the families.
Police are urging the public to call the Benzie County Sheriff's Office at 231-882-4484 if anything is found relating to this case.
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