2 fatalities

Flight Descends over Lake Michigan; Debris Found, Occupants Presumed Fatal (N242BS)

Grand Haven, MI, US

On April 21, 1997, a Beech 95-C55 (registration N242BS) was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Haven, MI. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: undetermined. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A flight descending from 10,000 feet msl over Lake Michigan lost radar contact at 3,000 feet. Debris located on lake surface; pilot and passenger presumed fatal injuries.

Incident Details

Radar observations tracked the flight descending from 10,000 feet mean sea level (msl) until contact ceased at approximately 3,000 feet msl. The location was about 13 miles west of Grand Haven, Michigan, over Lake Michigan. Debris was subsequently located on the lake's surface in the same general area.

Aircraft and Occupants

The airplane was presumed to have been destroyed. The pilot and one passenger were presumed to have sustained fatal injuries.

Weather and Communications

No forecast existed for instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions, severe weather warnings, or advisories for ice or turbulence along the intended route. The pilot, during a preflight briefing, stated that the airplane carried four hours of fuel. No distress calls from the aircraft were recorded.

Status

The airplane remained missing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Apr 1997 Beech 95-C55 accident near Grand Haven, MI?

A flight descending from 10,000 feet msl over Lake Michigan lost radar contact at 3,000 feet. Debris located on lake surface; pilot and passenger presumed fatal injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Apr 1997 Beech 95-C55 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Apr 1997 involved a Beech 95-C55, registration N242BS, at Grand Haven, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

undetermined.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07673. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.