Pilots, hampered by bad weather in a search for a plane they believe went down Wednesday night near Blaney, appealed yesterday for information from residents in the area.

Lt. James A. Newton of the Civil Air Patrol, noting no planes have been reported missing, said it is possible the craft took off without an “instrument report.”

Lt. Newton said five planes have covered 400 square miles after several Columbia hunters reported seeing a plane “engulfed in “flames” plummet toward the earth near Blaney.

“We need more information from residents in the area between Camden, Columbia, Blaney, Statesburg and Steads who may know of the plane,” Lt. Newton said.

“We have seen some things from the air worth checking on,” Lt. Newton reported, “but no sign of the plane,” which was described as large and propeller-driver.

The start of yesterday’s search, aided by three Fort Jackson craft, was delayed until 11 a.m. by bad weather.

Among Fort Jackson personnel assisting in the search were: Lt. A. P. Rasmessen, Lt. C. S. Zeigler, Capt. A. B. C. Davis, Jr., Lt. Richard Smith and Lt. M. A. Woosley.