The Region - News from Aug. 19, 1986

The search of a 100-square-mile area of the Mojave Desert launched after a Mayday broadcast was picked up at Edwards Air Force Base was called off after no trace was found of a downed plane, authorities said. Officials said a prankster may have sent the distress call. The search began after the Mayday call was picked up by an air controller at Edwards, Civil Air Patrol Maj. Richard Gale said. The voice on the radio said he had lost his left engine and was going down fast.