A medical flight carrying six people disappeared over the waters off Massachusetts early Saturday after the pilot reportedly reported electrical problems and declared an emergency.
Search crews later found a debris field believed to be connected to the aircraft, but authorities were still searching for the people who were aboard.
The aircraft, a Gulfstream G100, had been flying from Bermuda to Boston when it vanished shortly before reaching its destination.
According to air traffic control audio published by LiveATC.net, the pilot reported electrical issues as the aircraft approached the Massachusetts coastline and declared an emergency.
Gulfstream G100 went missing
The situation unfolded as a storm reportedly moved through the area. Boston 25 reported that the audio appeared to indicate the plane could have been “coming in blind” shortly before contact was lost, according to UNILAD.
The flight had departed Bermuda at 12:41 a.m. local time on Saturday, October 3. It was scheduled to arrive at Boston Logan International Airport shortly after 1:20 a.m.
FlightAware tracking data shows that the aircraft experienced a dramatic change in altitude during the flight. At approximately 1:04 a.m., it dropped from 23,500 feet to 11,000 feet in about three minutes.
Its last recorded radar signal came at 1:23 a.m.
The Federal Aviation Administration subsequently alerted the U.S. Coast Guard at approximately 2 a.m., triggering a search-and-rescue operation.
The Coast Guard said in a statement: “The current search area is offshore of Nantucket. Coast Guard, air and surface cruise are actively responding, including: planes HC-144 and MH-60 from Air Station Cape Cod; a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat from Station Brant Point; and a Fast Response cutter from ship USCGC William Sparling.
“The Coast Guard will continue searching and provide additional information as it becomes available.”
During the search, crews located debris in the water. Officials later confirmed that the debris belonged to the missing aircraft.
“Coast Guard search crews located a debris field that has been confirmed to be associated with the missing aircraft,” the agency said.
The search continued overnight.
“Crews are continuing to search for the six people who were aboard the aircraft and the Coast Guard cutter William Sparling will continue search efforts throughout the night.”
Search and rescue efforts continue
The plane was operating as part of a medical transfer and had six people aboard.
Two of them were pilots from Canada, while two others were Canadian medical workers. The remaining passengers were a patient from Bermuda and the patient’s relative.
Canada’s Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon confirmed that four Canadians were among those aboard the aircraft.
“I am aware of reports of a Canadian-registered air ambulance aircraft that went missing while travelling from Bermuda to Boston.
“Four Canadians are among the six people on board. My thoughts are with everyone on board, as well as their families, loved ones and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and are working with the relevant authorities as search and rescue efforts continue. I want to thank all first responders involved for their ongoing efforts.”
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