Pilot search after 'crash' off North Wales coast called off for the night
The aircraft was flying from Caernarfon to Llandudno and was carrying just the pilot, according to authorities.
Monday 25 November 2019 22:33, UK
A search for a missing pilot after a light aircraft disappeared from radar contact in the Puffin Island area of North Wales has been called off for the night.
The operation will resume on Tuesday.
The search was suspended around 10pm on Monday. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency added: "The search will continue in the morning, we have no further information at this time."
Police confirmed the plane had just one person on board and was returning from Llandudno to Caernarfon when it lost contact.
According to data from flightradar24, a Cessna light aircraft making the same route at the time descended near Puffin Island before it disappeared.
North Wales Police said it was still currently involved in the Coastguard-led operation, while officers were supporting the unnamed missing pilot's family.
Chief Inspector Essi Ahari said: "North Wales Police are supporting HM Coastguard in a search for a light aircraft that was flying from Caernarfon Airport to the Great Orme in Llandudno and back this afternoon.
"The aircraft had one pilot on board and no other passengers and family liaison officers are supporting the missing pilot's family."
In an earlier statement, the force said it had received a phone call at 12.59pm reporting a "possible crash" involving a light aircraft.
A Coastguard helicopter from Caernarfon as well as rescue teams from Penmon and Bangor are involved in the search.
RNLI lifeboats from Beaumaris, Moelfre and Llandudno are also taking part in the operation.
In a statement, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch said: "The AAIB has sent a team to investigate an accident involving a light aircraft that occurred near Beaumaris, Gwynedd, Wales."