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Crash discovered in Northern Michigan believed to be plane missing since 1997

NTSB investigating plane connected to 1997 disappearance

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ST. IGNACE, Mich. – The National Transportation Safety Board says it is investigating a wreckage found Wednesday near St. Ignace, Mich., which authorities say is a missing plane from a crash in 1997.

NTSB tweeted on Thursday the investigation of the crash of Piper PA-28-235.

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On September 14, 1997 a Piper PA-28-235, N9399W, registered to and operated by a private pilot, was observed departing Drummond Island, Michigan, with the intended destination of Howell, Mich., NTSB reported. 

The airplane, pilot and passenger have been missing since that time. A search did not locate either the airplane or the pilot and passenger. The personal 14 CFR flight was operating in instrument meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file.

The airplane was presumed destroyed and the pilot and passenger are presumed to have sustained fatal injuries, NTSB said. 

Mark Davies and his wife Janet, from Howell, were on the plane at the time of the crash.

Check back for updates on this developing story.


About the Author
Ken Haddad headshot

Ken Haddad has been with Local 4/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He helps lead news coverage and content across broadcast and digital platforms. He's from the Metro Detroit area, and loves covering important news (and sports) in his hometown.