Man finds uncle missing in N. Arizona

PRESCOTT, AZ - An 84-year-old man who failed to return from a hunting trip in central Arizona was found by a relative searching in a private plane Thursday.

Yavapai County Sheriff's Office spokesman Dwight D'Evelyn said in a news release that John Basham was reported missing by his wife on Wednesday after he had not returned by the anticipated time. Attempts to reach him by cell phone were unsuccessful.

Basham had left early on Wednesday to go dove hunting in Aguila, according to D'Evelyn, and was expected home the same day.

Several law enforcement agencies conducted a search for Basham and his vehicle by air and ground.

Just before 5 p.m. on Thursday, Basham's nephew, piloting a private plane, located Basham's Jeep in a deep ravine north of Yarnell off Highway 89, according to D'Evelyn.

Sheriff's deputies and fire personnel located Basham who had suffered an apparent back injury when the vehicle crashed.

Basham was air-lifted to a Phoenix hospital for evaluation and treatment. D'Evelyn said the man's injuries did not appear life-threatening.

D'Evelyn said Basham likely crashed the night before and remained in the vehicle until he was rescued.

The time and cause of the accident is under investigation.