The person at the center of this case
James Edward Bean
Missing Person · Open
48 years waiting · since 1978
Missing Person: James Edward Bean
Justice for James Edward Bean — the trail went cold in 1978, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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vehicle
Lead #1What was the condition and maintenance history of Bean's aircraft prior to departure?
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witness
Lead #2Were there any reports from other pilots or maritime traffic about Bean's plane or distress signals?
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location
Lead #3Did the aircraft crash in the ocean between Florida and the Bahamas, and if so, has any wreckage been recovered?
James Edward Bean, a 37-year-old pilot, disappeared on July 9, 1978, when he left West Palm Beach in his plane bound for the Bahamas and never arrived at his destination. The circumstances of his disappearance remain unclear—whether he encountered mechanical failure, weather conditions, or other complications over the ocean. Despite decades passing, the case remains unsolved and investigators continue to seek information about what happened to Bean and his aircraft.
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
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evidence
Lead #4What flight plan was filed, and were there any weather warnings or hazards reported for the route on July 9, 1978?
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Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP103179. Missing person: James Edward Bean.
Last known contact: 1978-07-09 in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, FL. Circumstances: Left in his plane headed to the Bahamas and was never seen again.
Demographics: 37 years, Male, White / Caucasian. Physical description: 5 ft 8 in, 150 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Brown.
Clothing and accessories: Clothing: Unknown at the time of disappearance.. Investigating agency: Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office | 78-39168 | 1991-07-01.
Timeline of Events
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1978-07-09
James Edward Bean departs for Bahamas
37-year-old pilot James Edward Bean left West Palm Beach in his plane headed to the Bahamas and was never seen again.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:July 9, 1978
Last Updated:September 27, 2026
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Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5616883000
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Case Information
Incident:July 9, 1978
Last Updated:September 27, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5616883000
You can remain anonymous