The body of an 82-year-old Michigan pilot who went missing on September 10 has been discovered following his disappearance during a routine flight.
Richard Martin was last seen taking off from Dowagiac Municipal Airport around 11 am on Sunday, September 10, in his home-built plane.
On Thursday afternoon, September 14, first responders were alerted to an airplane crash in a wooded area off M-51 North near the Elm St. location, about two miles north of Dowagiac. The Michigan State Police Aviation Unit guided them to the crash site, where they confirmed the downed aircraft as a silver Sonex Airplane with Tail Number N569SX. Martin’s body was found at the crash site alongside his plane.
Martin’s friend and airport manager, Oscar Azevedo, described the flight as routine. He mentioned that Martin frequently flew his 2005 experimental aircraft for an hour or so when weather conditions permitted. Despite Martin’s regular flight habits, concerns grew as he had not shared a flight plan, which complicated the search. Efforts to locate him intensified with the involvement of drones, ATVs, planes, and search parties.
Richard’s wife, Kathy, traditionally waited for him to return from his flights. They would arrive at the airport together, where she would spend her time while he enjoyed his flights. Azevedo noted the unusually long duration of Martin’s absence, which had left Kathy afraid for his safe return.
An ongoing investigation aims to determine the cause of the plane crash. The community mourns the loss of the experienced pilot as they seek answers about the incident.