On March 15, 1993, 20-year-old James Jim Hysong flew a rented 1974 Piper Cherokee Arrow, tail number N15206, from Toledo Suburban Airport toward Jackson, Michigan, for a 20-minute exam flight. He did not file a flight plan. FAA radar showed the aircraft climb to 4,800 feet and head northwest, but it missed Jackson by several miles to the southeast, continued over Michigan past Grand Rapids and Grand Haven, then flew out over Lake Michigan and vanished from radar about an hour after takeoff.

An extensive search including sonar imaging in Lake Michigan found no trace of Hysong or the aircraft. The NTSB reported no evidence of a crash but Hysong was presumed deceased. The plane was later listed as stolen and the owner received an insurance payout. On four occasions after the disappearance the tail number was reportedly used over radio or at fuel purchases, without any visual confirmation of the aircraft. Investigators and the family’s private investigator have explored conflicting theories, including intentional crash and theft leading to foul play.

Does anyone have information about sightings, radio traffic, or activity around N15206 that could shed light on what happened?