James Slaybaugh Missing Person Case

Jan 01, 1970

Jan 01, 1970

James

Slaybaugh

60

White / Caucasian

Male

In the vast and rugged landscape of Alaska, the story of James Slaybaugh's disappearance is a somber reminder of the unforgiving nature of the wilderness. On August 12, 1989, the 60-year-old man, along with three companions, embarked on a journey in a Cessna N1211V aircraft, departing from the Caribou Creek area near King Mountain. Their intended destination and the full purpose of their flight remain details lost to time, but what is known is that they never arrived. The plane, and all four individuals aboard, vanished into the immense Alaskan expanse, leaving behind a void of uncertainty for their loved ones. For nearly a year, the fate of James Slaybaugh, Edgar McCrary, Robert Horn, and Richard Floyd was a complete mystery. The initial search efforts, undoubtedly hampered by the challenging terrain, yielded no trace of the missing aircraft or its occupants. It was not until August 16, 1990, that a significant breakthrough occurred. The wreckage of the Cessna N1211V was discovered in a ravine, located approximately one mile southwest of Hicks Lake. This grim discovery confirmed the tragic end of the flight, but it did not bring complete closure to the families of the missing men. Despite the discovery of the crash site, the remains of James Slaybaugh and the other three men were never recovered. The circumstances surrounding the crash and the reasons why the occupants were not found with the wreckage remain unanswered questions. The case stands as a poignant illustration of the perils of aviation in remote and mountainous regions. The narrative of James Slaybaugh's disappearance is one of a journey that ended in tragedy and a search that provided only partial answers, leaving a legacy of unresolved loss for the families affected.

Aug 12, 1989

Palmer

Alaska

,

07/09/2026