Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
302 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP23474) and 6 other sources
Nancy Elizabeth Branch, a 29-year-old Stanford graduate, disappeared on December 6, 1992, during a plane trip from Santa Barbara to Palo Alto, California. Nancy, along with her fiancé, Kevin Clarke, and two friends, newlyweds Alan and Amy Stewart, were flying back after a weekend getaway in a single-engine Piper Archer airplane. Shortly after takeoff, the plane lost contact, and no distress signals were sent, although weather conditions were described as treacherous.

An extensive search ensued, including investigations into a potential crash near the Big Basin area, but no trace of the plane or its passengers was ever found. Nancy, who had a successful career and close relationships, vanished without a trace along with her companions. The group is presumed deceased, but as neither the plane nor remains were recovered, they remain classified as missing persons. The Menlo Park Police Department continues to investigate the case, although it remains unsolved decades later.
Last Seen: Dec 6, 1992

Possible Unidentified Matches (3)

Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

76%Possible
Jane Doe — Oakland, California
UP16731 • Found Jan 23, 1998
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 60%Est. 18–100 vs 29 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 96%25 mi away, same state
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 100%5'2" vs 5'3"
Weight 100%114 lb vs 120 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
76%Possible
Jane Doe — Fresno, California
UP15831 • Found Jul 30, 1996
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 25–30 vs 29 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 68%135 mi away, same state
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 100%5'3" vs 5'3"
Weight 70%90 lb vs 120 lb
Hair 60%Black vs Brown
75%Possible
Jane Doe — Courtland, California
UP139512 • Found Nov 3, 2024
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 85%Est. 40–60 vs 29 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 84%69 mi away, same state
TimingFound 32 years after last seen
Height 100%5'3" vs 5'3"
Weight 82%143 lb vs 120 lb
Hair 70%Gray vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown

These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.