Lee Schlosstein Missing Person Case

Feb 01, 2017

Mar 28, 2024

Lee

Schlosstein

87

66

72 inches

180 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

On a Friday afternoon, October 15, 2004, 66-year-old Lee Herbert Schlosstein, an Anchorage physician, intended to go for a pleasure flight in his Super Cub floatplane. He departed from Lake Hood just after 2 p.m., taking off shortly after another Super Cub. It is believed that Schlosstein was the only person on board the aircraft. Tragically, his plane is thought to have crashed into the challenging waters of Knik Arm, near Point Woronzof and the Anchorage International Airport. Authorities were led to this conclusion after discovering Schlosstein's car parked at Lake Hood and speaking with his family about his plans for the day. The circumstances surrounding the crash point to difficult weather conditions. A witness on the shore reported seeing a PA-18 aircraft, matching the description of Schlosstein's plane, emerge from a fog bank over the inlet. The plane was observed in a steep left bank, about 100 feet above the water, and it descended rapidly, hitting the water with its left wing first before sinking within approximately two minutes. Another pilot who had taken off just before Schlosstein reported that he had to turn back from his destination due to a thick fog bank obscuring the area. The National Transportation Safety Board later determined the probable cause of the accident to be the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation, with fog and low ceilings being significant contributing factors. An extensive search was launched in the wake of the crash. The Alaska State Troopers, along with a state helicopter crew and private pilots, including Schlosstein's own son, scoured the murky waters of Knik Arm. Despite their efforts, which included searching at low tide in hopes of spotting the submerged aircraft, no sign of the plane or of Lee Schlosstein was found. The area is known for its strong tidal influence and powerful currents, which complicates any search and recovery effort. This tragic event serves as an overview of the case, highlighting the inherent risks of aviation, particularly in the unpredictable weather conditions of Alaska. Lee Schlosstein and his aircraft have never been recovered, leaving a painful void for his family and friends.

Oct 15, 2004

Anchorage

Alaska

Anchorage Borough

No

33142

Alaska State Troopers

Anchorage

Alaska

Anchorage Borough

99507

Malia Miller

Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager

5700 East Tudor Road, Alaska

9072695511

State

Law Enforcement

040081894

2004-10-15

Alaska State Troopers

Brown

Brown

Brown

No

07/17/2026