Wreckage from a missing medical flight has been located off the Massachusetts coast after the aircraft vanished during its approach to Boston.
The Gulfstream G100, bound for Boston Logan International Airport from Bermuda, disappeared early Saturday with six people on board. The Coast Guard confirmed it was alerted by the Federal Aviation Administration at roughly 2am, launching an extensive search operation off Nantucket.
FlightAware data revealed the aircraft plummeted from 23,500 feet to 11,000 feet in just three minutes at 1.04am. The final radar ping came at 1.23am, merely two minutes before the scheduled landing. The plane had departed Bermuda at 12.41am local time.
Air traffic control audio posted by LiveATC.net captured the pilot reporting electrical problems and declaring an emergency as the aircraft neared the Massachusetts coast. The audio also suggested the plane may have been “coming in blind” as a storm struck shortly before it vanished.
The six people on board included two pilots from Canada, two Canadian medical workers, a patient from Bermuda, and the patient’s relative. The aircraft was operating as a medical transfer flight.
Steven MacKinnon, Canada’s minister of transport, confirmed on X that four Canadians were among those on board.
“I am aware of reports of a Canadian-registered air ambulance aircraft that went missing while travelling from Bermuda to Boston,” he wrote.
“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.”
He added that Canadian authorities were closely monitoring the situation and working with relevant authorities as search and rescue efforts continued, thanking all first responders for their ongoing efforts.
The Coast Guard deployed significant resources to the search area offshore of Nantucket, including HC-144 and MH-60 aircraft from Air Station Cape Cod, a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat from Station Brant Point, and the Fast Response cutter USCGC William Sparling.
“Coast Guard search crews located a debris field that has been confirmed to be associated with the missing aircraft,” the Coast Guard said in an update later on Saturday.
“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.”
The Coast Guard’s initial statement had outlined the response: “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,” that statement concluded.
The discovery of the debris field marked a grim turning point in the search, though crews pressed on through the night seeking any sign of survivors from the Canadian-registered air ambulance.