The person at the center of this case
Martin Raymond Coughlin
Missing Person · Open
28 years waiting · since 1998
Missing Person: Martin Raymond Coughlin
Justice for Martin Raymond Coughlin — the trail went cold in 1998, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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vehicle
Lead #1What specific parts of the aircraft were recovered in Juan de Fuca Strait, and what do they indicate about the flight path or crash circumstances?
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evidence
Lead #2Were any remains or personal effects recovered from the wreckage site that could confirm Martin's fate?
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timeline
Lead #3What was the exact departure time from Haines, and were there any weather reports or radio communications from the aircraft during the flight?
Martin Raymond Coughlin, a 53-year-old pilot, departed his summer home in Haines, Alaska on October 3, 1998, flying a single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza toward Seattle. Parts of the aircraft were discovered in Juan de Fuca Strait, Washington, and Martin is presumed to have drowned, though his remains have not been recovered. The case remains open as a missing person investigation with the Alaska State Troopers, and any information about the flight or potential wreckage could help confirm the circumstances of his disappearance.
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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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location
Lead #4Why was the aircraft found in Juan de Fuca Strait rather than along a direct route from Haines to Seattle, and what does this suggest about the flight path?
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Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP67264. Missing person: Martin Raymond Coughlin.
Last known contact: 1998-10-03 in Juneau, Juneau, AK. Circumstances: Martin left his summer home in Haines heading for Seattle.
He was flying a single engine Beechcraft Bonanza with tail number N4479D. Parts of the plane were found in Juan De Fuca Straits, Washington.
Martin is presumed to have drowned. Demographics: 53 years, Male, White / Caucasian.
Physical description: 5 ft 9 in, 165 lbs, hair: Blond/Strawberry, eyes: Hazel. Clothing and accessories: Clothing: Blue jeans T-shirt (unknown color).
Investigating agency: Alaska State Troopers | 980068536 | 1998-10-13.
Timeline of Events
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1998-10-03
Martin Coughlin departs Haines
Martin Raymond Coughlin left his summer home in Haines, Alaska, flying a single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza (tail number N4479D) heading toward Seattle.
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1998-10-13
Alaska State Troopers investigation initiated
Alaska State Troopers began investigation into the missing pilot case.
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Aircraft wreckage discovered
Parts of the Beechcraft Bonanza were found in Juan de Fuca Strait, Washington.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:October 3, 1998
Last Updated:September 27, 2026
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Phone: 9072695511
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Case Information
Incident:October 3, 1998
Last Updated:September 27, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9072695511
You can remain anonymous