Coast Guard Launches Search After Small Plane Loses Contact Over Lake Pontchartrain Near New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA — The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting a search operation over Lake Pontchartrain after a Cessna aircraft lost contact with air traffic control around 6:30 p.m. Monday evening, officials confirmed.
The small aircraft, believed to be a single-engine Cessna, disappeared from radar while flying north of New Orleans, near the southern edge of Lake Pontchartrain. Flight path data shows the plane circling repeatedly before communication was lost.
Search Underway Across Lake Pontchartrain
The Coast Guard immediately deployed air and water search teams to the area, using both helicopters and boats to scour the lake’s surface. The search grid currently covers a section between Jefferson Parish and the Causeway Bridge, as seen in flight tracking data.
Authorities have not yet released details about the number of people on board or the cause of the communication loss.
Witnesses Report Low-Flying Aircraft
Local residents near Metairie and the Lakefront reported hearing a low-flying plane shortly before the incident. One boater told local media that they saw “an aircraft flying unusually low” moments before radar contact was lost.
Weather conditions at the time were reported as clear, with light winds, reducing the likelihood of weather-related interference.
Investigation and Ongoing Efforts
As of late evening, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are being notified of the incident and are expected to join the investigation.
The Coast Guard said rescue efforts will continue through the night, with additional resources possibly joining from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans and Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge.
Residents around the lakefront are urged to report any debris or unusual sightings to the local authorities as the search continues.
This is a developing story. Follow NapervilleLocal.com for updates as more details emerge from the Coast Guard and FAA.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.