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.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
NOVI STAFF WRITER The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
