Robert Douglas Sparks, a 45-year-old private pilot and retired Air Force officer, went missing on November 19, 1972, after departing from McAllen, Texas. He had been hired by a man named Lonnie D. Shaw to fly around the lower Rio Grande Valley for a photography trip. The two left McAllen in a 1970 Piper Cherokee aircraft that Sparks had rented for the flight.
At around 1:50 PM, Sparks contacted the FAA, stating they were en route to Tampico, Mexico, even though he lacked the required papers to enter Mexico. Sparks communicated again shortly after, but all radio contact ceased thereafter.
The circumstances surrounding the flight raise concerns that Sparks may have been under duress, as the Tampico destination was unexpected. Furthermore, Sparks had a scheduled flight instruction later that day, which he never canceled—something he was known to be responsible about. Neither Sparks, Shaw, nor the plane were ever seen again. Shaw had a history of mental health issues and had been in and out of mental institutions. The disappearance left behind many unanswered questions, and Sparks' family has been seeking closure for decades.
The case remains unsolved, and authorities, including the FBI and local Texas law enforcement, continue to search for answers. His family and investigators urge anyone with information to come forward.Last Seen: Nov 19, 1972
