Oct 19 TV Report
Click on this link to view the news piece that Kristen Johnson did about the search for Bob Norton and the others. This aired on local CBS Ch12, Chattanooga, TN.
Bob Edwards
Video Report Coming Soon
Update by Bob Edwards:
Since I returned from Venezuela on September 13 where we searched more of Zone D, Celso and several others have returned to the search effort in the Infierno Zone. This area was identified by the Brazilian eyewitness and 3 others as a area where they saw a plane fly over the morning of February 16 that appeared to be having trouble. We are tracking progress of the search effort with the SPOT GPS transponder and by the waypoints marked by the handheld GPS that Celso takes with him. All of the data is then entered into the search plan. Step by step we are covering the areas that the search team believe to be the highest priority zones. While in the initial search of Infierno, Celso found that there are two grass runways there. On his next search in this zone, Celso and his search team will be attempting to find and go to these two grass runways to investigate them and the local area around them. It would make sense that Bob would have attempted to reach one of these grass strips if indeed he was flying through this area and had problems with the plane.
There will be a local news update on the search effort from Chattanooga's CBS Channel 12 and we are working on a longer video update that will be posted on Youtube as soon as it is ready. I will send links by email and post on Facebook as soon as these are available. Tim de la Torre is beginning work on the trailer for the documentary as well.
For those who question why this team has stayed focused and continues to move forward I can only say it is because it seems like the right thing to do as these doors continue to open, we continue to step through them. It has been nearly 8 months now and yet the core team is still dedicated and those who are supporting with prayers and resources continue to make it possible to send Celso to the next area to search. I thank everyone who continues to support this effort. May God bless you.
Bob Edwards
Nurturing the Planted Seeds
Dear AMA family,
Just a note to inform you that Celso, accompanied by a few other men, made a trip and searched for several days in an area between Karum and Santa Elena. With the added witnesses' information of a plane being seen which seemed to be having difficulties that Monday morning long ago this is the current search area. However, nothing was found and they returned, since Celso being ill with malaria could not continue. Every time a search ends in finding nothing it is disappointing most of all to those searching. All of us want to know what happened, and although we go forward with our lives the missing plane and search is on our minds.
While in Venezuela a few weeks ago Bob Edwards took a number of video clips of his time there and the time he spent in the jungle following a heading where they hoped to find the missing plane. He also did several interviews relative to the search and with friends of Bob's. A documentary film is in the talking stages, and perhaps will become a reality, which will share the mission aviation life of Bob Norton and the search. Friday afternoon I sat and watched some of these movies and "lived" a small bit of what my brother's life meant and the energy being spent to find him and the others. Nothing touched me more than Celso sharing from his heart to whoever would hear his words. He spoke of faith and of love's ties as brothers he and Bob shared. He wants to see the seed Bob and Neiba planted growing. He talked of his dedication to serving others and carrying forward the mission work. He made a plea for help in reaching those in need of hearing the gospel and meeting felt needs of the indigenous villagers. My heart was moved as I listened. I cried as my heart responded to his words of trusting God's plan even though we don't understand, and just as he and his wife are brother and sister with Bob and Neiba, so he feels this family love for us, their family.
If you can help with Celso's stipend send your donation to GMI and write a separate note stating it is for AMA Venezuela. Most of all continue to pray for his health to be restored and God's guidance as he continues searching and helping his people know Jesus.
I appreciate all of your prayers and support. As Bob would remind us should he be writing today, "Be faithful to God and do something to make a difference in someone's life."
God bless you each,
Barbara (Norton) Kay
Gospel Ministries
PO Box 506
Collegedale, TN 37315
Donations to help with the search or airplane repair can be sent with a note telling which you wish to help to:
Outpost Centers International
5340 Layton Lane
Apison, TN 37302
Bob Edwards in Venezuela
Dear AMA Family,
Bob Edwards spent over a week in Venezuela dedicating time to the continued search. Below is a summary of his trip in relation to the search. I sincerely appreciate all he has done and continues to do to find Bob and the others. This appreciation also goes to his wife, Lisa, for her support of him and sharing so much of his time with this effort. To Celso and his wife Rosa I owe more than words can say as they give so much for this cause. Because of the efforts of these dedicated people I pray that God will use them and this whole tragedy and search to advance His kingdom. My desire is that in heaven we, the AMA family, can see the results of our labors and loss and be satisfied. God is at work. Thank you each one for your continued prayers and support. At the end of this letter is the Outpost Center's address where donations can be sent for the search or repair of the airplane. Remember to enclose a separate note stating what project the money is for.
God bless you,
Barbara Norton Kay
Jungle search work update:
Zone D -
We were able to locate and mark the location of the helicopter position where they received a transmission on the emergency broadcast channel 121.5 Mhz three days after the plane went missing. We then pressed out on the designated heading of 270 which is what was captured on the directional finder on the helo. The jungle terrain is very difficult to navigate through and the handheld GPS often lost it's signal and we would use the compass and map to navigate. Celso and the other two Indians were AMAZING in their ability to negotiate through the jungle. They carried minimum gear and relied on their many years of experience. I would not have attempted any of this without their leadership and willingness to take me there. We completed the area we had planned on trying to cover and will be adding this data into the search plan. There is still plenty of area in Zone D that needs to be searched and we will come back to this area shortly. While in the jungle search I also captured some film footage of the search work and environment. I have approximately 6 hours of footage to give to the documentary team to review and use. I will pick out some of the select clips and load them on Youtube hopefully this weekend.
Brazilian eyewitness Zone -
There are now 4, possibly 5 witnesses that saw a plane flying over several small villages near an area called Inferno where a Brazilian miner had said he witnessed a plane in trouble fly over on that Monday. They are all saying that the plane appeared to be in trouble because the engine was surging. This area is located on the direct path back to the home base at Maurak or Santa Elena runway which is the path Bob would have taken if he decided to return from the jungle and go directly back to the hospital in Santa Elena. One of the individuals that I was able to interview was the Capitan of one of these small villages. He was in the Maurak area, providentially, on the same day I was there. He states that he actually saw and heard a small plane mid morning headed over his village area towards the direction of Inferno an it appeared to be in trouble. We now have sufficient data to make this an additional search zone and Celso will take a team in there hopefully by next week to begin searching this area too.
Search Strategy -
As we move forward with this search effort we will now be moving with small teams that can move quickly through an designated area with minimal gear and expense. I left all the lightweight gear and food supplies with Celso so that he could better outfit his small search teams. I would like to let all of those who are following this story know that when I asked Celso how long he is willing to continue this search effort he told me "as long as God gives me life, health and the resources needed, I will search for my brother Bob, Neiba and the others". And I believe him. Celso is a man of incredible dedication and focus and it was my honor to be able to spend this time with him. I told him that our Analysis Team here in the U.S. will continue to work with him and Civil Protection as we all continue to search for our fallen brothers and sisters.... so as God provides we will "press ahead" . . . .
Bob Edwards
Donations:
Outpost Centers Inc.
5340 Layton Lane,
Apison, TN 37302
September 2009 Update
Dear AMA family,
Thanks to each of you who have contributed in some way to the AMA project and search. In way of information there are two families, Celso's and another couple who Bob and Neiba had been giving $250 each a month as a stipend. Celso did the flight scheduling and took care of all the radio communication and flight following. Presently he is still involved in the search but has not been able to find another job.
Danny is keeping up the grounds and the airstrip mowed--all with a push mower as the riding one was in need of repairs. Irdene (my husband) had gotten the parts and they'd been sent down, but Bob had not received them yet. So, if you feel led to continue helping the AMA project please send donations for these families to:
Gospel Ministries International
P O Box 506
Collegedale, TN 37315
Please include a separate note stating the money is for AMA Venezuela. These families are dedicated to continuing the mission work.
Bob Edwards is presently in Venezuela and has had meetings with people at the US embassy, those coordinating the search from Civil Protection, and Celso. Hopefully they can get a pilot and plane to take him, Celso, Dr. Pedro, and others out to Karum to spend some days searching in the jungle where it has been determined the highest probability zone. It is merely an educated guess. Again I have to say, only God knows and we continue to trust Him. I asked Mr. Edwards when they were going to quit searching and his answer was, "We will continue as long as God opens doors." A documentary film is in the plans about Bob Norton's aviation work as well as the search. More on that later.
While my mother was in Venezuela she was able to talk to many of the people who knew and loved Bob and Neiba. They are sorely missed. It meant something to these people that Bob's mother made the trip to visit with them. David and Becky Gates were there the following week to visit and had a meeting to decide on members for the AMA board so there can be people to organize and carry on the work.
My mother, Nytta Norton, was also able to talk with the airplane mechanic in Ciudad Bolivar who is in charge of repairs of the other Cessna 182. Funds are needed for an engine and propeller. This is God's airplane and our family would like to see it put back into His service helping people. An account has been set up at Outpost Centers to handle donations for the airplane repair as well as for the search. Enclose a note stating what the funds are for and send to:
Outpost Centers Inc.
5340 Layton Lane,
Apison, TN 37302
Most of all please continue to uphold the people Nortons served in Venezuela in prayer and that many more will be added to God's kingdom. Also remember Bob Edwards this week.
A reminder to those of you who haven't yet sent me a memory or story you have of your experience with Bob and Neiba please do so now if you wish. I am putting together a sharing letter which I will be sending to all of you in the near future.
Appreciate your love, support, and prayers. "Your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
Barbara Norton Kay
Wanted: Memories of Bob Norton
Dear AMA Family,
Just wanted to touch base with you folks regarding the search. Presently behind the scene plans are being laid to continue searching, starting with zone D. Those in charge are trying to maximize the funds given for the search. Bob Edwards plans to go down in September to participate in the search with Celso and CP people, and he plans to do some videoing out in the jungle for a DVD regarding the search. Presently my mother is in Venezuela, accompanying friends who are visiting there, so remember her in prayer. There are business things she needed to take care of and people with whom she wanted to talk.
I am putting together a memory letter with pictures of Bob and Neiba to share with the AMA family. If any of you wish to share what your friendship with them means, how you met, a memory you have of visiting with them, please send it now to this email address: amaavion {at} gmail(.)com.
God is ever in control and I am encouraged by those who want to continue the work for the Indian people of Venezuela and continue to search for the missing plane as long as God opens doors. If you wish to contribute funds for the search a fund has been set up at Outpost Centers. Send a separate paper on which you write that the donation is for Norton Search. Thanks for your continued prayers for this venture and all the families who still grieve their lost loved ones.
Clinging to the Blessed Hope and Jesus soon return,
Barbara Kay (Bob's sister)
Outpost Centers Inc.
5340 Layton Lane,
Apison, TN 37302
Norton Search Documentary
NORTON SEARCH DOCUMENTARY FILM PROJECT
By Bob Edwards
Prepared: August 6, 2009
On February 16, 2009 at approximately 7:45 AM my close friend Captain Robert “Bob” Norton, his wife and 5 others went missing in the jungles of Venezuela. Bob has been serving there as a missionary pilot to the Indigenous Indians for the past 8 years and was on a emergency medical flight from Karum to Bethel in his plane.
The Venezuelan Civil Protection and the Indigenous Indians immediately began searching for them in the dense jungle.. As they began their physical search there, we pulled together a team consisting of engineers, pilots, medical professionals, search experts and computer analysts here in the U.S. We contacted GeoEYE and Digital Globe to get current satellite images of the areas where we believed the plane went down. We also began working with an organization that specializes in finding missing aircraft called Missing Aircraft Search Team (M.A.S.T.). Together we developed a search plan with a prioritized, zone by zone, analysis of where the plane might have gone down.
It has been more than 5 months and we continue to work together to try to find the missing plane and it’s occupants. We have also sent down pieces of technology (i.e. GPS Transponder, GPS Tracker, and a digital camera) for the Venezuelan ground search team to assist with the search effort.
At this point in the search, we have decided to produce a documentary about the search effort and about the work that Captain Norton was doing. We are doing this to raise awareness about the search and to help keep the search efforts going. We are looking for sponsors for this documentary.
I plan to return to Venezuela in September to film the work being done by the Indians and to film and interview members of the Civil Protection to show the incredible work that has been done there. I will also be filming some of those who have been helped by Captain Norton through the past 8 years. We currently have a little over $2500 in the search account at OCI, which is enough to send the ground search team back into the jungle for a month. We need to raise additional funds for the camera equipment and other gear needed for the trip down in September.
If you are interested in helping in any way please contact me directly or send your tax deductible donations marked “Bob Norton Search” to:
Outpost Centers International
5340 Layton Lane
Apison, TN 37302
Tel: 423.236.5600
Thank you so much for your support in this challenging search effort. Proceeds from the documentary will be used to continue the search effort.
Also, if you want to see pictures and updates from the search effort go to the discussion board “Finding Bob Norton” on Facebook or tag me as a friend on Facebook.
Bob Edwards
206 Lind St., McMinnville, TN 37110
Cell 423.280.8217 / Home 931.474.2477
theadventureteam {at} yahoo(.)com
July 27, 2009 Update From Bob Edwards
As the search continues:
We have relatively new intel from a Brazilian man who was near Maurak at a gold mine the morning the plane went missing. He claims he saw the plane fly over around 9:00 am, which would allign with a scenario that Bob had problems and was headed back to home base in Maurak or Santa Elena. The Brazilian gave some details about where he was and where he saw the plane go over. He said it appeared to be having trouble and the engine was not running. He claims that he told some of the leaders from the Maurak area shortly after the plane went missing about this, but this is new intel for us and the Civil Protection. We are not sure how accurate this data is, however, Celso and his team are headed to the area to check it out. It is fairly close to Maurak and a long ways away from the current search zones, however, it can be searched with little resources and therefore will be checked out before they head back to the deep jungle search areas in August.
Our meeting a couple of weekends ago with Dr. Garcia and Andrehina Diaz in Texas was very beneficial. They continue to support in anyway possible. They carried supplies back to help with the ground search effort.
We sent some financial help down to Celso to pay for the expenses incurred so far. He was very appreciative. He also now has a hand held GPS, a SPOT GPS transponder and a waterproof digital camera to help document the search efforts.
Nytta Norton (Bob's mom) will be going down on the 10th of August. She will be meeting with Celso while there to thank him and to deliver any additional instructions from the analysis team.
We continue to process the new satellite images to determine if there are POIs in Search Zone D and surrounding areas that need to be investigated.
Cesar, from Civil Protection is doing detailed analysis of the radio propagation from the 40 meter radio Bob was using. This will continue to refine the search zones and will elliminate some of them due to the low probability of transmission due to the distances.
And as God provides... "we press ahead"
May Update on Missing Plane
Dear AMA Family,
On Sunday, May 24, a group of pilots, computer techs, analysts, and engineers gathered at Cloudland Canyon State park in Georgia for a strategic summit meeting regarding the Norton search. As team leader Bob Edwards organized and arranged this meeting for the purpose of determining the primary and secondary search zones. Rick and Debbie Slatten drove down from Minnesota bringing a tremendous set of skills to the search effort. They are with M.A.S.T. and specialize in finding missing aircraft. Rick lead the team in analyzing the information presented to decide which area is the most probable place the airplane went down. Two persons involved with the search came up from Venezuela and brought to the discussion table the facts, both from the search and information gleaned from questioning those who supposedly heard or saw the airplane as well as the last people who spoke with Bob—Celso and the nurse at Karum. (Below: Bob Edwards is ready to start the meeting.)
Their report contained the following facts. February 16 the government organization for search and rescue received the report that this Cessna 182 tail #YV2480 flown by Capitan Roberto Norton with 6 other passengers was missing. That very day they begin gathering information but could not fly to the area due to low hanging clouds and restricted visibility. However, the following day they began searching by air and also by ground between Karum and Betel according to the report given them by Celso concerning Bob’s planned flight. The government law stipulates that they look for 8 days, but in the case where there is the possibility people are alive this can be extended, so for 16 days they flew using 4 helicopters and 4 other aircraft. 142 people were searching, 113 by land and 29 by air during those first 2 weeks. Based in Paragua, 65 miles north of Karum, the government search covered 8357 square nautical miles and they flew a total of 195:42 hours.
JD Brown explaining his calculations from flying a flight simulator with the known information to determine the zones picked for imaging to search.
Everywhere there were a couple huts a helicopter would land to inquire and let the Indigenous villagers know of the search. Any “story” was followed up. The helpful information turned out to be that a group of fishermen on an island had heard the airplane passing by that Monday morning and people in a mining camp also heard the plane at the time of day Bob Norton was flying. On the 19th or 20th a pilot of one of their large helicopters picked up a 6 second transmission in English on the emergency frequency. The transmission was not recorded but the helicopter did have a Directional Finder that locked on a heading of 270 degrees (+/- 3 degree accuracy.) Thus the search narrowed to the south of Mount Waikinima and on the western side rather than closer to Betel. Except along the river there are huge jungle areas where no one lives. As to date no one they have questioned has seen anyone or anything of plane or people, which leads all concerned to the assumption that they went down in an unpopulated area.
In trying to figure out which route Norton flew the last radio transmission between pilot and Celso was considered and discussed. All that was understood was AMA a (to) AMA followed by rapid talking. Celso asked Bob to repeat, and again he could not understand the message. None of the villages had their radios on that early in the morning, and no one else was flying in the area to pick up a transmission. In the meeting the radio expert from Venezuela explained where it was possible for Bob to be in order for Celso to pick up his signal on the radio, and where he would not have been heard at all.
The couple at the far end of the table are Rick and Debbie Slatten. There were at least 20 people at the meeting. The picture below is at the village of Karum.
The concern that the plane was hijacked or the people kidnapped were discussed by the team. Several facts show that this is highly unlikely. Everyone on the airplane was accounted for. All the small strips in the vicinity where Bob might have landed in an emergency have been searched. Everyone the government search people talked to in the entire area have high regards for Capitan Norton and his medical emergency work, including the military people. Further, something would have leaked out and the Indian grape vine out in the jungle would have had the news spread far and wide weeks ago. There is no basis for assuming this might have happened.
This case is open and the Civil Protection organization can continue the search if they have new information. Those at the meeting analyzed the data, facts, probabilities, and prayed for wisdom concerning which area is most likely that the airplane went down. In this zone, but not limited too, the search will continue.
This map shows the search area and all the colored markings are where the helicopters and airplanes flew during the search. At the top is the village of Paragua and at the bottom the village of Karum. The photo below is a view of the jungle, a sample of the difficulty of seeing anything besides trees.
There are specific concerns we as a “family” need to pray about at this time, knowing God cares and will guide and help. For several weeks now the satellite image pictures have not been obtained due to cloudy conditions. Pray that there will be a clearing in the clouds the next time the satellite goes over that jungle area (God knows when and where). It has been helpful to those in Venezuela to have the Points of Interest, and by sending these down the CP can go out looking. The men in the jungle with Celso are having health problems due to mosquitoes and thus malaria. The plan is to get them medicine. Pray for their safety and health, because when they are sick they can’t search. Pray that a helicopter will be available in a couple weeks to go fly over the zone determined by the team to be the most probable location. Pray for wisdom as plans are made for the search in this area. However God leads you to fast and pray in the next couple weeks please link with others who are doing the same. We are children of a Mighty God whose arm is not shortened that it can not save. I still believe that all things are possible, and the hunt for the “needle in a haystack” can come to an end in finding the lost.
As I associated with those who joined together from Washington to Tennessee, from Venezuela to Maine, on Lookout Mountain last Sunday I felt a spirit of unity as all were of one mind and purpose. I felt friendship. I sensed love and caring. I was blessed to listen and learn. Thank you each one who came. To all of my fellow travelers on the roadway of life, don’t give up. Not in this, not in other areas of your life where Satan may be seeking to discourage you. It is darkest just before dawn. If God be for us, who can be against us?
For a finished Search,
Barbara Kay (Bob Norton's sister)
Disappearance of the Venezuela Mission Plane
Nearly eight years ago, at the request of 30 village captains and
ADRA/Venezuela, my wife Becky and I began praying for a pilot that
could replace us in Guyana so we could move to Venezuela to open up
the medical aviation work there. When Gary and Wendy Roberts were
lead of God to take up the work in Guyana, we made the move across.
God provided a beautiful small Cessna 172 and I also carried
responsibilities as Associate Director of Communication and ADRA for
the Union. We called the program AMA (Aviación Médico Adventista -
Adventist Medical Aviation), which means “Love” in Spanish.
With the expanding worldwide work, it became rapidly clear that I
would be unable to carry the daily load that a medical aviation
program required. That is when I ran into Bob Norton in Collegedale
airport. I hadn’t seen him for years and discovered that he was
finishing his aviation training and had just married a Venezuelan
nurse. Suddenly I began to see what God was doing. He had already
started putting together a perfect solution for the need in
Venezuela.
Bob and Neiba accepted the position with somewhat trembling knees
as they had not considered leaving everything in order to work as
volunteers. Many of their friends counseled against such a move.
However, they felt God’s calling and made their choice. It was to
leave everything behind and trust God with the future. That choice
was to affect the lives of thousands of native Amerindians living in
the beautiful but isolated jungles of Southeast Venezuela. Though the
Cessna 172 had an upgraded engine put in, Bob fell in love with the
Cessna 182. Two such aircraft were purchased.
As some of my previous emails have mentioned, there have been many
challenges which threatened to close the program. But in every case,
God protected and multiplied the impact of that small airplane
piloted by a man who loved to save lives and share God’s love. At
home, Neiba carried heavy loads of helping with communication and
coordinating all the small details and finances. Their loving service
earned the respect and love of the Amerindians throughout the entire
Southeast region of Venezuela, known as the state of Bolivar.
On Monday, February 16, a rainy overcast day, Bob loaded the
airplane with his wife Neiba and ex-school principal, Gladys. He left
the city of Santa Elena de Uairen and headed North for scheduled
maintenance on the plane and to take care of business. As frequently
happens, after takeoff he was advised by HF radio of some patients to
be transported from the village of Karum. After landing he took off
headed for Bethel, a second village further North. In between the two
villages is a mountain range. Going around to the East was flatter,
while the river wound around to the West, but was bordered by some
gorges.
The plane never arrived. Some villagers state hearing the plane in
the distance but then hearing nothing more. Intensive searches have
involved the government and especially the Governor’s helicopter.
Several groups of Amerindians have been scouring the jungles on foot
throughout that area.
The governor’s office has been very kind to provide for the
costs of the helicopter, while the government has helped with fuel
for aircraft willing to participate in the search. However, the food
and supplies for the ground teams has not been met so Gospel
Ministries International has sent funds to cover this and will
continue doing so.
There is also a group of persons who are raising funds to have
extremely high resolution satellite photos taken of the entire region
so that they can scan them for any sign of wreckage. To assist with
this project, contact Bob Edwards at bob.edwards {at} ge(.)com
The efforts from all parties show the level of love and
appreciation that has existed for Bob, Neiba and Gladys.
Trying to comprehend what has happened is difficult as it has not
been resolved yet. There are still questions, such as why weren’t
there any Emergency Locator Transmissions from the radio which is
carried by every plane? Did the plane actually go down in the
jungles, or might it have gone down in the river? Did it have an
engine failure or was bad visibility a factor while flying around the
mountains? Some still hold out hope as there have planes that have
gone down in the past and indigenous tribes have rescued and cared
for them for long periods of time before releasing them.
At present, from all human evidences, there is nothing that would
provide any hope of finding them alive. However, we do know one
thing. God is in the process of advancing His work, not moving it
backward. This painful experience will someday prove to be just the
event needed to move God’s work forward throughout Venezuela. It
will honor God and His people by drawing attention of the world to
His work and will prove an impulse to everyone to serve God will all
our heart, mind and soul.
I am in almost daily contact with those directing the search
parties, which have included up to 160 indigenous volunteers. Having
just finished several days in Venezuela assisting in the development
of a single, organized task team, I am thankful for this Godly team
which is determined to find the plane at all cost. Everyone is also
thankful for the many offers of overseas friends to join the search
down in Venezuela. Search administrators are asking that, due to the
current political climate, the assistance be in the form of support
for local searchers. Funds coming in to GMI for the Bob Norton
account will be used in coordination with Bob’s mother and sister,
to support continuing the search work, to support present AMA staff
and to complete repair of the second Cessna 182.
I want to thank everyone who has financially supported the search
efforts and ask everyone to please continue praying for the search
parties, for the finding of the plane and especially for the families
and loved ones who wait anxiously for any news, that God will
strengthen and protect them. We do know that God is using these
events to focus the world on His work and message. It will advance
His work in Venezuela.
David Gates