Joseph J. Leblanc, Jr., 60, was last seen July 3, 1997, during a sightseeing flight from Skagway, Alaska. The Piper PA-32 ditched in Taiya Inlet after the engine lost fuel pressure and stopped at about 1,200 feet. The pilot forced the airplane down roughly 100 feet from the rocky shoreline; everyone initially exited into water reported at about 39 degrees Fahrenheit.

Two female passengers were recovered deceased and one female survivor was rescued by helicopter. Joseph Leblanc and another male, John L. Blanda, were never found. The NTSB determined the engine failure was caused by a jammed left magneto impulse coupling that led to gear shearing. Investigators also noted inadequate passenger instruction about life vests and seat covers that blocked access to flotation devices. The aircraft was later recovered from about 153 feet of water, but no remains of Leblanc have been reported.

Does anyone have information about Leblanc’s last movements or contacts before the flight that could help clarify what happened that day?