Underwater video footage captured by a team of researchers has revealed the suspected wreckage of a corporate private jet that crashed into Lake Champlain in Vermont more than 50 years ago.
In a remarkable discovery that has brought closure to decades-old questions, underwater video footage has emerged, revealing the wreckage of a corporate private jet that fatefully crashed into Lake Champlain in Vermont over half a century ago. The hazy footage, recorded by underwater searcher Garry Kozak and provided to The Associated Press, sheds light on the final resting place of the aircraft that disappeared on January 27, 1971.
The aircraft, a 10-seat Jet Commander with the registration "N400CP," was en route from Burlington to Providence, Rhode Island, when it vanished shortly after takeoff. On board were pilots Donald Myers and George Nikita, as well as passengers Richard Windsor, Robert Williams, and Frank Wilder.
Long-Lost Corporate Plane Wreckage Found in Lake Champlain, 53 Years After Crash
For decades, the fate of the aircraft and its occupants remained a mystery, despite numerous search attempts by various research groups. However, on May 19, 2024, Kozak and a team of researchers stumbled upon the long-lost wreckage, marking a pivotal moment in the investigation.
Using an EdgeTech 4125-P side-scan sonar system with high-resolution capability, Kozak and his team meticulously scanned the 490-square-mile natural lake. Their perseverance paid off when they detected what appeared to be the remnants of the private aircraft, approximately 200 feet below the surface.
Long-Lost Corporate Plane Wreckage Found in Lake Champlain, 53 Years After Crash
The footage captured by Kozak offers a glimpse into the aircraft's condition, showing the hazy glow of the wreckage amidst the lake's cloudy waters. Despite being submerged for over five decades, the plane's signature custom paintwork—bright red and cream stripes—remained visible, providing further confirmation of its identity.
One of the most striking features of the wreckage is what appears to be an aircraft engine, further supporting the belief that the discovered debris belongs to the missing Jet Commander. Kozak and his team, confident in their findings, expressed near-absolute certainty that they had indeed located the aircraft that had eluded discovery for so long.
Long-Lost Corporate Plane Wreckage Found in Lake Champlain, 53 Years After Crash
"With all those pieces of evidence, we're 99% absolutely sure," Kozak stated following the discovery.
The historical find has evoked a range of emotions among the families of the missing individuals. Barbara Nikitas, the niece of pilot George Nikita, expressed a bittersweet sentiment: "To have this found now... it's a peaceful feeling, at the same time it's a very sad feeling. We know what happened. We've seen a couple of photos. We're struggling, I think, with that now."
Long-Lost Corporate Plane Wreckage Found in Lake Champlain, 53 Years After Crash
Frank Wilder, whose father was also a passenger on the plane, shared his relief at finally knowing the whereabouts of the aircraft. However, he acknowledged that the discovery has raised new questions that need to be addressed: "Spending 53 years not knowing if the plane was in the lake or maybe on a mountainside around there somewhere was distressing. And again, I'm feeling relieved that I know where the plane is now, but unfortunately it's opening other questions, and we have to work on those now."
While the discovery of the wreckage provides a significant breakthrough in the investigation, it also underscores the enduring impact of the tragedy. The families of the victims can now find some solace knowing that the aircraft has been located, but the unanswered questions surrounding the crash continue to linger.
Long-Lost Corporate Plane Wreckage Found in Lake Champlain, 53 Years After Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board has confirmed that it is investigating information received regarding the discovery, suggesting the potential for further insights into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
For over five decades, the missing Jet Commander has served as a haunting reminder of the fragility of life and the capricious nature of fate. The underwater video footage captured by Kozak and his team not only provides a tangible connection to the past but also opens a new chapter in the story of the aircraft and its occupants. As the investigation continues, the hope remains that more light can be shed on the events of that fateful day in January 1971.
Long-Lost Corporate Plane Wreckage Found in Lake Champlain, 53 Years After Crash
