Incident Overview
A cargo aircraft that had diverted to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) due to deteriorating weather conditions at its intended destination later disappeared after departing again. The aircraft had originally been bound for Burke Lakefront Airport (BKL) but diverted when the weather at BKL worsened to below landing minimums. After approximately 30 minutes on the ground at CLE, the pilot contacted the company dispatcher by telephone and decided to proceed with the flight to BKL.
Departure and Loss of Contact
Following the call, the aircraft departed CLE. Soon after takeoff, the airplane disappeared from radar, and radio contact was lost. A snowstorm was reported in the area at the time of the disappearance, coinciding with the location where contact was lost.
Recovery and Search Efforts
The pilot's body was recovered from Lake Erie on July 10, 1989. As of the time of the report, the aircraft wreckage had not been recovered. No further details about the aircraft, its registration, or the operator were provided in the source.