Lithuania Resumes Search for Missing Soviet-Made An-2 Aircraft

On May 16, a Soviet-made An-2 aircraft disappeared while en route from Sweden to Lithuania without issuing a distress signal. A search operation launched immediately after the incident was stopped due to adverse weather conditions. Two Lithuanian warships, a plane and a helicopter were involved in the search.

VILNIUS (Sputnik) — The search operation for a Lithuanian civil An-2 plane (NATO reporting name "Colt") that went missing over the Baltic Sea resumed on Monday, the country’s Defense Ministry said.

Search for the missing #An2 plane has been suspended. No sign of the plane is found so far. http://t.co/Nd5aDOdKyX

— Lithuanian_MoD (@Lithuanian_MoD) 17 мая 2015

“The search and rescue operation for the An-2 that went missing above the Baltic Sea on 16 May is renewed and continued today with the Spartan C-27J transport aircraft of the Lithuanian Air Force,” a statement on Lithuanian Defense Ministry website read.

The ministry also asked for operational support from Sweden and Latvia, according to the statement.

At Lithuania's request, a Latvian helicopter also joined the operation. No wreckage or oil stains have currently been detected.

The missing aircraft is owned by Klaipeda Airlines. According to company director Viktoras Sisniauskas, two pilots were aboard, both with over 40 years flying experience.