Casualties unknown

Student Pilot's Body Recovered from Chesapeake Bay; Aircraft Still Missing (N55657)

Chesapeake Bay, MD, US

On October 5, 1991, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N55657) operated by Annapolis Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Chesapeake Bay, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: UNDETERMINED. THE AIRCRAFT WRECKAGE HAS NOT BEEN LOCATED. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot on a cross-country flight was last heard from after contacting Dover Approach. Her body was found in Chesapeake Bay over a month later; the aircraft remains missing.

Incident Overview

A student pilot was conducting a solo cross-country flight consisting of three legs. After landing at her first destination, she had her logbook signed by an employee of a fixed-base operator (FBO). She then departed on the second leg of her flight.

Last Contact

During the second leg, the pilot contacted Dover Approach Control requesting radar advisories. Following a brief radio exchange, both radio and radar services were terminated. This was the last known communication with the pilot.

Discovery

More than one month after her disappearance, the pilot's body was discovered in Chesapeake Bay. The location of the aircraft remains unknown; it has not been found.

Investigation Status

No determination of probable cause has been made by the investigating authorities. The circumstances leading to the accident are under investigation, but no further details have been released.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18252. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.