Missing Aircraft Search Ends After Passenger Body Recovered

Casualties unknown • Atlantic Ocean, AO, US

A student pilot and three passengers disappeared while flying from Florida to the Bahamas, leading to a search that ended with the recovery of one victim.

What happened

A student pilot departed Sebastian Municipal Airport in Sebastian, Florida, bound for Freeport, Grand Bahama. The flight included 3 passengers. No flight plan had been filed for the trip, and weather conditions were reported as VFR.

The aircraft failed to arrive at its destination. Following the disappearance, the U.S. Coast Guard conducted a two-day search operation, which concluded with negative sightings of any wreckage or survivors.

Nine days after the initial disappearance, the U.S. Navy recovered a body off the coast of Virginia. A medical examiner later identified the individual via dental records as one of the passengers from the missing aircraft. No wreckage from the plane was ever located. The remaining crew and passengers are missing and presumed dead.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-08-10 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Atlantic Ocean, AO?

A student pilot and three passengers disappeared while flying from Florida to the Bahamas, leading to a search that ended with the recovery of one victim.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-08-10 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N6946D, operated by Plasse, Edgar P., at Atlantic Ocean, AO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

UNDETERMINED. THE AIRPLANE IS MISSING.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24081. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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