What can I do to show support? There is another gathering tonight (10/29) at 5:00pm, organized by CityChurch, for students and community members; we would love to see you there. Also, at anytime, you can join an ongoing virtual prayer vigil.
Thanks to all who attended the previous prayer vigil on 10/26 at CityChurch.
We're so blessed that Minneapolis schoolmates set up a Wear Blue for the Bucklins event on 10/28. This campaign is continuing with blue ribbons, which available for pickup from our house.
If you'd like to follow updates on Twitter, please check out Luke Come Home to see the tweetstream.
Meanwhile, the Fremont County Sheriff's Office is doing an incredible job using its team of highly trained specialists. At this time, we urge others to stay safe at home.
What help does the family need right now? We are so appreciative of the wonderful support we've received, including meals, prayers, and lots of hugs. We welcome your help; our biggest urgent need is still for your prayers.
In addition, we'd love your help in organizing meals for the many family and friends that are visiting the house. Read more about how to sign up to help provide meals.
All this week, we've received messages from all around the country and the world, with prayers and messages of hope. We're sorry that we're not able to respond to every message, but please know that we read every single one and feel blessed to have a circle of such overwhelming love and support.
Where are loved ones gathering? Family and friends are gathering at Luke and Ginger’s home in Southwest Minneapolis. We are blessed to have Samantha (16), Oliver (5), the kids' mom, Michelle, and Sarah (19, who just returned from Germany) here with us, safe at home. Please let us know if you’d like to join us at any time. Our home is open to all who want to spend time together.
How is the search progressing? The search started at noon on 10/26 via helicopter. High winds and low visibility limited the helicopter’s ability to take off before then. Check out the latest updates from the search team.
Who is in the plane? Luke Bucklin, and sons Nick Bucklin (14 years old), Nate Bucklin (14), and Noah Bucklin (12).
What kind of plane is it? It’s a four-seat single engine, Mooney 201, tail number N201HF.
When did they take off? They took off from Jackson Hole Airport on Monday afternoon, October 25th, in the early afternoon. They had been flying for about an hour when radar contact was lost.
What has weather been like in the area? It was snowing when the plane took off, so Luke was flying in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). There was no known ice in the flight path. Local temperatures have been in the 30s and 40s in the daytime and below freezing at night. The mountains have up to two feet of snow cover right now, including the latest snowfall. Earlier in the week, it was snowing and quite windy, which hampered search efforts by air; weather has improved today (10/27), air search is again underway, and weather continues to hold.
What kind of contact did Air Traffic Control (ATC) have with Luke during the flight? Luke took off in instrument conditions, which means that ATC was giving him specific directions on where to fly and at what altitude. For the first hour of the flight, there was standard radio contact between Luke and ATC. There were no distress signals and no signs that Luke lost control of the plane’s navigation.
What was the plane’s altitude? The plane was en route at 14,000 feet. The highest mountain peak in the area is 13,802 feet. ATC instructed Luke to ascend to 15,800 feet in order to maintain the required 2000 feet IMC clearance. It was during this climb that radar contact was lost.
Do rescue crews know where to look for the plane? Yes, due to the plane’s straight flight path, they have a very good idea where to start the search. The biggest challenge is the harsh weather that has been hampering search efforts.
Is the plane equipped with an emergency beacon? The plane has the standard transponder that sends out a signal as the plane flies. It is unknown whether the transponder is still functional; no signal has been received.
Are passengers equipped for the mountain weather? Luke, Nick, Nate and Noah all have winter coats on the plane, and there’s a wool blanket as well. There are also a few snacks and sodas aboard.
Did the passengers have cell phones with them? Yes, Luke, Nick and Nate all have cell phones. However, there is not good coverage in the mountains, so we’re unsure whether the cell signals will work. Also, generally we turn off cell phones during flight so it’s likely that the phones will be powered off.
Where can media outlets receive additional information? We (Ginger, Michelle, Sarah, Samantha, Oliver, and all our extended family and dear friends) are touched by all the interest from the media. Please direct press inquiries to Bonnie Harris at 612-801-0912 or at harris (at) waxmarketing (dot) com. We deeply thank Bonnie for her love and support at this difficult time.