The disappearance of the DC-3 airliner NC16002 occurred during a routine flight that left from the Bahamas and was intended for New York. Onboard were 32 individuals, including passengers and crew members, who lost communication with air traffic control just south of Miami. The last radar contact indicated the aircraft was experiencing problems. A massive search operation was launched by the United States Coast Guard and other aviation authorities to locate the missing plane. Over a thousand square miles of ocean were scoured, yet no evidence of the aircraft was ever discovered, leading to various theories about its fate.

The incident turned into a mystery that puzzled investigators, raising questions about the reliability of radar systems and protocols at the time. Safety regulations underwent a re-evaluation, emphasizing the importance of effective communication between air traffic control and pilots. The DC-3 itself was a prominent aircraft model used widely since its first flight in 1935, playing a crucial role in both commercial and military aviation. Its disappearance underscored vulnerabilities that were present in air travel during this period.

In subsequent years, the tragedy of NC16002 would linger in aviation discourse, prompting calls for improved navigational technology and operational standards to ensure passenger safety. The use of flight recorders became more prominent, driven by the lessons learned from this and similar disappearances.