Plane That Crashed in Lake Huron in 2007, Found After 17 Years

Reviving an Unsolved Aircraft Mystery

The remains of a small plane that famously disappeared amidst its flying journey from Mackinac Island to Bad Axe, nearly 17 years ago, have been found this month in Lake Huron. Its lone passenger’s remains were also found at the site. The plane, a SOCATA TB-20 Trinidad, was piloted by a 52-year-old woman from Washington, D.C., and the passenger was a 56-year-old man also from the same city. The wreckage uncovered scores of miles from the mainland brought the spotlight back onto one of Michigan’s most enigmatic aviation mysteries.

The Initial Disappearance: A Look Back at 2007

The tragic incident took place back in August 2007. A multinational search operation, which included numerous private and governmental agencies, spanned weeks. Despite extensive efforts, the wreckage was never located and the investigation gradually faded into obscurity. However, human remains were discovered east of the Mackinac Bridge a few months after the crash, which, after careful dental matching, were identified as those of the pilot.

Renewed Search Efforts Yielding Fruits After Almost Two Decades

The search for the missing plane, passenger, and further wreckage resumed when a private company, Great Lakes Search & Recovery, was commissioned by the family members to revisit the tragic incident in October 2023. The renewed search effort paid off when pieces of plane wreckage were found near Bois Blanc Island this month.

In a dramatic turn of events that shocked the community, divers from the Michigan State Police also recovered more human remains. Through dental records, these were found to match those of the missing passenger, thereby bringing to fruition a 17-year-old endeavor to uncover the full truth behind this tragic occurrence.

Preserving the Memories, Learning from the Past

Though the discovery has brought a sense of closure to those involved, it also serves as a poignant reminder of the extent of human lives impacted by airplane accidents. The incident underscores the unpredictability of life, the indomitable force of nature, and the inevitable tragedies that occur at the intersection of the two.