In a remarkable turn of events, experts believe they have located the wreckage of a private jet that disappeared over Lake Champlain in Vermont 53 years ago. The discovery, made by underwater searcher Garry Kozak and his team, has brought some closure to the families of the victims while also reopening old wounds and sparking new questions.
The missing aircraft, a 10-seat Jet Commander, vanished on a snowy night in 1971 shortly after taking off from Burlington en route to Providence, Rhode Island. Despite extensive search efforts, including at least 17 attempts, the plane remained elusive, hidden beneath the icy waters of Lake Champlain.
Recent exploration using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) led by Garry Kozak has yielded promising results. Sonar images captured the wreckage lying 200 feet (60 meters) deep near Juniper Island, with a custom paint scheme matching that of the missing jet. “With all those pieces of evidence, we’re 99% absolutely sure,” Kozak stated.
The discovery has brought mixed emotions for the families of the victims. Barbara Nikita, niece of pilot George Nikita, expressed a bittersweet sentiment, saying, “To have this found now … it’s a peaceful feeling, at the same time it’s a very sad feeling.” Similarly, Frank Wilder, whose father was a passenger on the plane, shared his relief at knowing the plane’s location but acknowledged the new questions that arise.
Over the years, determined efforts to find answers persisted. In 2014, a renewed search effort was sparked by the Malaysia Airlines disappearance, but it proved unsuccessful. It wasn’t until Barbara Nikita and Kristina Nikita Coffey, relatives of a victim, spearheaded recent searches and collaborated with other affected families that progress was made.
Charles Williams, whose father was also on the plane, praised the power of collaboration in uncovering the truth. “Reconnecting with the group was amazing,” he said. “By sharing information and documents, we gained a much deeper understanding and perspective on the event.”
Garry Kozak’s relentless pursuit was pivotal in the discovery. After poring over lake sonar surveys and identifying potential targets, his team finally confirmed the long-lost plane wreckage last month. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now investigating to verify the wreckage’s identity.
While the discovery brings closure, the question of salvaging the plane remains. Williams acknowledged the complexity of this decision, noting the emotional and financial considerations involved. “It’s hard when you start to think about that,” he said, reflecting on the delicate balance between closure and the preservation of memories.
The revelation of this decades-old mystery serves as a testament to perseverance and the enduring quest for answers, offering solace to families while reminding us of the enduring impact of such tragedies.
Sources By Agencies
