1 fatality

Unresolved Lake Michigan Aircraft Accident (N212AD)

Milwaukee, United States of AmericaFlight

On July 21, 1972, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration N212AD) operated by Equitable Engineering Company was involved in an aviation accident near Milwaukee, United States of America in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Due to lack of evidences, the cause of the accident could not be determined. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into Lake Michigan while en route from Detroit to Milwaukee. The wreckage and pilot's body were never recovered, and the cause of the accident could not be determined.

Incident Overview and Flight Details A twin-engine aircraft was operating a flight from Detroit to Milwaukee when it lost control while flying over Lake Michigan. The aircraft subsequently crashed into the lake, with the impact occurring a few miles off Milwaukee. ## Search and Recovery Efforts Despite the known location of the crash, the plane's wreckage and the pilot's body were never found. The absence of physical evidence significantly limited the scope of the investigation. ## Investigation Findings The official investigation concluded that the cause of the accident could not be determined. This finding was attributed to a lack of evidence, as no wreckage or remains were recovered to support a definitive analysis.

Probable cause

Due to lack of evidences, the cause of the accident could not be determined.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jul 1972 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Milwaukee, United States of America?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into Lake Michigan while en route from Detroit to Milwaukee. The wreckage and pilot's body were never recovered, and the cause of the accident could not be determined.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Jul 1972 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jul 1972 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration N212AD, operated by Equitable Engineering Company, at Milwaukee, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Due to lack of evidences, the cause of the accident could not be determined.