Medical Plane Lost During Flight from Bermuda to Boston Sparks Immediate Search
A medical plane operated by Canada’s Latitude Air Ambulance vanished during a flight from Bermuda to Boston on October 3, prompting the U.S. Coast Guard to launch a search operation near Nantucket Island. The aircraft, carrying six people, lost contact after departing Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport, according to Skyport, Bermuda’s airport operator. The Coast Guard confirmed it was searching both air and sea areas, while Ontario-based Ornge expressed hope for the safe return of all passengers.
Gulfstream Jet Dropped Altitude Before Losing Contact
The plane, a Gulfstream jet, was en route to Boston via Bermuda. It had four crew members and two passengers, including a Bermudian patient and their family member. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a search alert at approximately 1:20 a.m., when the aircraft dropped from 23,500 feet to 11,000 feet in three minutes before losing contact.
Search Efforts and Conflicting Accounts
The Coast Guard expanded its search to a 30-nautical-mile wide and 20-nautical-mile long area about 13 nautical miles off Nantucket, deploying aircraft, helicopters, and vessels. Debris related to the aircraft was found in the region, though no survivors had been confirmed. Boston 25 released a recording of a conversation between a Boston Logan International Airport air traffic controller and the pilot, in which the controller asked if the pilot was “clueless” and if the plane was in an emergency state, but received no response. Latitude Air Ambulance’s website lists typical crew configurations, including medical personnel, but did not immediately clarify the roles of those aboard this flight.
International Coordination and Passenger Nationalities
Canadian Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon confirmed four Canadian citizens were on board, while the U.S. Coast Guard acknowledged two Bermudian citizens among the passengers. Bermuda’s Prime Minister David Burt stated authorities were in contact with families, but no updates on the passengers’ condition had been released. The FAA has not yet disclosed the names of those aboard.
What’s Next for the Search?
The Coast Guard has not set a timeline for the operation, stating it would continue until further information emerges.
Latitude Air Ambulance Uses Gulfstream Jets for Evacuations
Latitude Air Ambulance specializes in medical evacuations, using Gulfstream jets. The company’s website highlights its use of registered nurses and respiratory therapists, though it does not specify whether medical staff were aboard this particular flight.
How Many People Were on the Plane?
How many people were on the plane?
The FAA confirmed six individuals were aboard, including four crew members and two passengers.
Where was the plane last tracked?
The aircraft was last seen flying at 23,500 feet before its rapid descent.
What is the search area?
The Coast Guard is scanning a zone around Nantucket Island, with additional support from North Carolina-based aircraft.
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