The wreckage was found in the Mazatzal Wilderness area.
The FAA says only the pilot was aboard.PHOENIX (CBS5/AP) -
Authorities in Gila County say they've tentatively identified the body found in wreckage of a plane that had been reported missing.
The Gila County Sheriff's Office says the victim was the pilot, David Kappes. Investigators added that DNA testing is needed for final confirmation.
Sheriff's spokesman Lt. Tim Scott said a DPS ranger out of Phoenix found the wreckage in the Mazatzal Wilderness area near the Gila County and Yavapai County line about 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Scott said deputies are investigating the scene.
Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said the pilot of the twin-engine Piper PA31 radioed air traffic controllers that he was diverting to Phoenix because of bad weather near Payson on Tuesday night.
Controllers lost radio and radar contact with the plane when it was about 50 miles east of Phoenix about 8:30 p.m.
Gregor said it appeared only the pilot was on board.
Copyright 2012 CBS 5 (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
