The United States Coast Guard has launched a major search for a medical aircraft carrying six people after it made a rapid 13,000ft descent and disappeared from contact over the Atlantic Ocean.
The Canadian-registered Gulfstream G100 air ambulance was travelling from Bermuda to Boston when air traffic controllers lost contact with it early on Saturday morning.
The aircraft, operated by Ontario-based Latitude Air Ambulance, was carrying two pilots, two medical staff, a patient and a relative of the patient.
The four crew members are Canadian nationals, while the two passengers are from Bermuda, according to the company.
Plane reported electrical problems
The aircraft, using the call sign “Heartbeat 104”, departed L.F. Wade International Airport in Bermuda at approximately 12.41am on Saturday.
It was transporting the patient to Boston and had been scheduled to land at Logan International Airport at around 1.30am.
During the flight, the pilot reportedly contacted air traffic control and declared an emergency after experiencing electrical problems.
Recordings of the communications indicate the aircraft may have lost some of its navigation or flight instruments.
A New York-based air traffic controller can be heard attempting to clarify the pilot’s situation.
“You’re coming in blind? Is that what you said?” the controller asked. “Are you declaring an emergency, or no?”
The pilot’s side of the conversation could not be heard clearly in the recording.
The controller later acknowledged that the aircraft had declared an emergency before contact was lost.
Aircraft descended rapidly before disappearing
Flight-tracking data showed the plane descending rapidly from approximately 24,000ft to about 11,000ft within several minutes.
The final recorded signal placed the aircraft over the Atlantic near Nantucket, Massachusetts.
A rapid descent does not by itself confirm that an aircraft crashed, and authorities have not officially determined what happened to the plane.
After communications were lost, the controller asked other aircraft in the area whether they could see the Gulfstream on their collision-avoidance systems or establish radio contact with it.
No response was received from “Heartbeat 104”.
Emergency crews were instructed to prepare for the aircraft’s possible arrival at Boston Logan International Airport, but the plane never reached the airport.
Coast Guard launches air and sea search
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a search-and-rescue alert at approximately 1.20am.
The Coast Guard subsequently deployed aircraft and vessels to search waters off Nantucket, approximately 90 miles southeast of Boston.
The operation includes aircraft from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod, a 47ft motor lifeboat from Station Brant Point and the USCGC William Sparling, a fast-response cutter.
Local authorities on Nantucket have also reportedly joined the search along the island’s southern shoreline.
The National Transportation Safety Board said it was gathering information about the missing aircraft but had not yet announced a formal investigation.
Air ambulance company ‘praying for safe outcome’
Latitude Air Ambulance operations manager Clarence Togeretz said the company lost contact with the aircraft as it approached Boston.
He confirmed that those aboard included two pilots, two medical professionals, a patient and the patient’s relative.
The company said this was the first time it had lost contact with one of its aircraft.
“We’re dealing with the situation with as much positivity and optimism as we can,” Togeretz said. “We’re praying for a safe outcome.”
Latitude Air Ambulance is based in Hamilton, Ontario, and provides medical evacuation and patient transportation services around the world.
Canadian Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said his government was closely monitoring the search and working with American authorities.
“My thoughts are with everyone on board, as well as their families, loved ones and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
Bermuda Premier David Burt said his government was also in contact with the affected families and the authorities leading the rescue effort.
Massachusetts Port Authority spokesperson Jennifer Mehigan confirmed that the aircraft had been expected to arrive at Logan Airport.
“Our thoughts are with those on board and their loved ones as the search continues,” she said.
The Coast Guard search remains ongoing, and authorities have not reported finding the aircraft, debris or any of the six people aboard.
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