Private plane crashes into sea after ‘ghost flight’ across half of Europe with unreachable pilot

The business jet took off from Jerez in southern Spain and was scheduled to land in Cologne. But shortly after takeoff, contact with air traffic control was lost. Spanish and French combat aircraft intercepted the plane, but were unable to make contact with the cockpit. The fighter pilots could not see anyone sitting in the cockpit.

According to the first report, there will be a lack of oxygen in the cockpit with subsequent loss of consciousness, but this has not yet been officially confirmed.

The plane, a Cessna 551, made no attempt to land in Cologne and continued on its way. Meanwhile, a German fighter pilot tried to find out what was going on. But he also had no idea what was really going on.

Leaving German airspace, a Danish fighter jet took over the direction of the private jet. At about 7:45 pm, the pilot noticed how the plane quickly lost altitude, began to spin, and crashed into the sea. The plane may have run out of fuel.

Four people on board

According to the Swedish news agency TT, there were four people on board. Their identity or nationality is not yet known.

The Swedish Coast Guard sent rescue planes, boats and a helicopter to the crash site. According to the Swedish newspaper, they have Aftonbladet Oil stains and debris have been discovered and they are searching for victims.