Jose Bonifacio Arruda was **50 years old** when he was last seen on **September 6, 2002**, departing from an executive airport in **Lauderhill, Broward County, Florida** (. On that day, he piloted a **single-engine Piper Pawnee** aircraft and was bound for **Brazil**, where he planned to arrive and then contact his wife. No such contact was ever received.
According to NamUs case file **MP21835**, the date of last contact is noted as **September 6, 2002**, confirming the same timeline. The entry provides key identifying information: Arruda was described as **Caucasian/Latino**, approximately **5′5″ ** in height and weighing roughly **160 lbs**, with **gray or partially gray hair** and **brown eyes**.
Law enforcement records indicate that his case was filed under the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, with case number **34‑0311‑006052**, report date **November 14, 2003**. The case remains **unsolved**, and the investigation continues as a cold case with no confirmed sightings or communications since his departure. Reports that the case was last updated on **June 16, 2025**, indicating active interest in potential new leads.
There is limited information publicly available beyond these core details. No verified witness accounts, crash reports, or debris recoveries are documented in accessible law enforcement summaries or in NamUs materials. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unclear—whether the aircraft encountered mechanical issues, deviated en route, or resulted in any unforeseen incident over water or land is unknown. Despite monitoring, no further evidence has come to light to confirm his fate.
Investigators and those with knowledge of the case continue to seek any additional information. Anyone with details about Arruda’s last flight path, possible stops, or sightings related to him or the aircraft is urged to contact the Fort Lauderdale Police Department or the Florida Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse via the appropriate channels.
Last Seen: Sep 06, 2002
