The wreckage from a plane crash on Mount Hood that killed a pilot reported missing days before it was discovered will remain there until it’s safe enough for authorities to remove it, according to the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office.

Sgt. Pete Hughes, a sheriff’s office spokesman, said Friday that it’s not yet clear when the remains of the 1975 Rockwell International 112A will be taken off the mountain and estimated that it could be possible that the area isn’t cleared until spring due to the snow and terrain.

George Regis, 63, of Battle Ground, Washington was the only person in the crashed plane near Eliot Glacier. He was reported missing by his wife on Monday after flying from an airport in Camas, Washington last Friday en route to Arizona.

The crash was discovered by authorities on Tuesday, it’s not yet clear when it occurred. Regis’ remains were brought down from Mount Hood on Wednesday.

The plane crashed into the mountain at about 8,750 feet.

-- Everton Bailey Jr.

ebailey@oregonian.com | 503-221-8343 |@EvertonBailey

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