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 type of aircraft James was flying? Were there any mechanical issues reported?
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timeline
Lead #2What was the exact departure time and intended flight path to the Bahamas?
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evidence
Lead #3Were any distress signals, wreckage, or debris ever recovered from the aircraft?
James Edward Bean, a 37-year-old pilot, disappeared on July 9, 1978, after departing West Palm Beach in his private plane bound for the Bahamas. He was never seen again after takeoff, and the circumstances of his disappearance remain unknown—whether mechanical failure, weather, or other factors caused him to go missing. Despite decades passing, the case remains open, and any information about his flight route, aircraft condition, or potential sightings could help solve this mystery.
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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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witness
Lead #4Did anyone observe the aircraft after takeoff or report any unusual activity that day?
💡
clue
Lead #5Were weather conditions on July 9, 1978, a factor in the disappearance?
Have information about any of these leads?
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 private 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 4, 2026
Have Information?
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 4, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5616883000
You can remain anonymous