A Coast Guard helicopter today located a badly damaged aircraft in a swamp near New Orleans International Airport with a body, believed to be that of Dr. WALTER A. Salatich,
president of the Charity
Hospital medical staff,
inside.
Searchers said the single-engine aircraft was down in a dense swamp area west-northwest of International Airport and about midway between the airport and the Bonnet Carre Spillway.
A Jefferson Parish rescue unit member, lowered from the helicopter by rope, said the pilot's body was strapped tightly in the plane. Physician Missing
Though no identification was made on the scene, the body is presumed to be that of Dr. Salatich, missing on a pleasure flight since 9:12 p. m. yesterday.
A search began shortly after the airport control tower lost contact with Dr. Salatich's aircraft as it was coming in for a landing last night.
Dr. Salatich, member of a prominent New Orleans medical family, was elected president of the Charity Hospital medical staff only last October. He maintained offices in the Maison Blanche Building.
The Coast Guard said the plane was badly damaged. Trees were so tall in the area that a rescuer had to be lowered 60 feet from the helicopter, the Coast Guard said.
Dr. Salatich,-43, resided at 722 Emerald on the lakeshore with his wife and two sons, Malter Jr., and Dale. Flying 5 Years
His brother, Dr. Peter B. Salatich Jr., a dentist, said the victim had been flying for about five years and owned t'h eaircraft in partnership with another man.
Dr. Peter Salatich said his brother was a qualified instrument pilot.
Flying was the victim's hobby, th ebrother said. He said he understood that Dr. Salatich had been flying in the general New Orleans area prior-to the crash.
A general surgeon, Dr. Salatich received his.M.D. degree from Louisiana State University and was a member of the medical school faculty as well as the staff of Hotel Dieu PHOTO: DR. WALTER A. SALATICH
