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Fossett Search Likely Off Til Spring

Snow obscures crash site, could pose danger to investigators

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 6, 2008 7:58 AM CDT

(Newser) – The snowstorm that stopped investigators' search for aviator Steve Fossett this week will likely keep such efforts suspended until spring, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. A 2-foot buildup of snow has covered any evidence on the ground, and could pose hazards for search teams. Federal officials had removed the wreckage of Fossett's plane before the storm started.

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John Amoroso, right, uses radio to communicate with other search and recovery teams climbing in the Inyou Forest to the crash site of adventurer Steve Fossett. (AP Photo/ Rich Pedroncellli, Pool)

A member of a private salvage company prepares to place some of the bagged wreckage recovered from the crash site of adventurer Steve Fossett on a trailer for removal. (AP Photo/Spencer Weiner, Pool)

The Mineret Mountains, where a hiker found the plane wreckage of of adventurer Steve Fossett, is seen near Mammoth Lakes, Calif., Friday, Oct. 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Spencer Weiner, Pool)

A member of a private salvage company ties down some of the bagged wreckage recovered from the crash site of adventurer Steve Fossett, Friday, Oct. 3, 2008, near Mammoth Lakes, Calif. (AP Photo/Spencer Weiner, Pool)

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We got a substantial storm that blew through. It's looking like we're probably not going to be back for quite some time. - Madera County sheriff's spokeswoman Erica Stuart

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Fossett Search Likely Off Til Spring