Search Suspended For Downed Plane Near Jacksonville

The search for a downed aircraft that went into the water off the coast of Jacksonville Thursday has been suspended, The United States Coast Guard announced late Sunday night.

The USCG said officials searched approximately 1400 square miles for 56 hours for the downed plane that was carrying two people. The plane, Piper PA-46, was enroute to New Jersey, according to the USCG.

The plane had departed from Orlando. The USCG said it was notified of an aircraft distress call around 9:45 a.m. on Thursday.

"The suspension of an active search and rescue case is never an easy decision to make," Christopher Eddy, search and rescue mission coordinator for the Coast Guard 7th district, said in a statement. "We always want the best case scenario to happen and will continue to monitor for new information that could aid responders."

The names of those onboard have been withheld until next of kin have been notified.

Anyone with information is asked to contact responders.

The FAA will investigate the crash and the NTSB will determine the probable cause of the accident.

This report will be updated as more information is learned.

File photo by Renee Schiavone/Patch