Disappearance of Thomas Hale Boggs Sr. (Arkansas)
The 1972 disappearance of House Majority Leader Thomas Hale Boggs Sr. and Representative Nick Begich on October 16, 1972, during a flight from Anchorage to Juneau, Alaska, continues to be investigated, with new theories and evidence emerging decades later. As of June 30, 2026, a 2021 podcast investigation explored discrepancies in the NTSB report and a jailhouse confession suggesting a bomb destroyed the plane. The FBI released files on March 26, 2026, detailing a 1970 incident where Boggs was forced off the road, and a new HISTORY Channel series is set to investigate the disappearance on January 28, 2025. A 1972 KH-9 Hexagon spy satellite photo inadvertently captured parts of the aerial search, and a new conspiracy theory alleges Boggs was targeted by J. Edgar Hoover.
Timeline
Want updates on this thread?
Track this storyTimeline of developments
June 2026 — 1 developments
Podcast Investigates Boggs Sr. Disappearance, Explores Bomb Theory
A 2021 podcast investigation into the 1972 disappearance of Thomas Hale Boggs Sr. explored discrepancies in the NTSB report. The podcast also examined a jailhouse confession that suggested the plane may have been destroyed by a bomb. Boggs disappeared on October 16, 1972, when his plane vanished en route from Anchorage to Juneau, Alaska.
March 2026 — 1 developments
FBI releases files on Thomas Hale Boggs Sr., detailing 1970 road incident
The FBI has released files pertaining to Thomas Hale Boggs Sr., including an account of an incident in 1970 where he was forced off the road in Washington D.C. These documents provide some insights into Boggs' life and potential adversaries, though they do not resolve the mystery of his 1972 disappearance.
January 2025 — 1 developments
Steven Rinella to Investigate Begich/Boggs Disappearance in New HISTORY Channel Series
A new series, 'Hunting History with Steven Rinella,' is set to premiere on The HISTORY Channel, with an episode investigating the 1972 disappearance of the Begich/Boggs flight.
October 2024 — 1 developments
Search and Rescue Pilot Proposes New Hypothesis on Don Jonz's Route
A Search and Rescue pilot proposed a new hypothesis suggesting that the plane's pilot, Don Jonz, may have taken an alternate route not covered in the original search efforts.
August 2024 — 1 developments
1972 KH-9 Hexagon Spy Satellite Inadvertently Captured Boggs Plane Search
A 1972 KH-9 Hexagon spy satellite photo inadvertently captured parts of the aerial search efforts for Boggs' plane. Additionally, a new conspiracy theory alleges Boggs was targeted by J. Edgar Hoover and the 'Deep State' due to his investigation into a surveillance program, with a supposed confession from a former CIA pilot.
October 2022 — 2 developments
Boggs's Grandson Calls for Renewed Military Search for Missing Plane in Juneau Empire Opinion Piece
On the 50th anniversary of the disappearance, an opinion piece in the Juneau Empire, written by Boggs's grandson, calls for a renewed military search for the missing plane, citing new technology and the possibility of wreckage being exposed by climate warming.
Jon Walczak considers second season of 'Missing in Alaska' podcast after uncovering new information
Journalist Jon Walczak, creator of the 'Missing in Alaska' podcast, suggests he has uncovered new information regarding the disappearance and is considering a second season of the podcast.
November 2021 — 1 developments
Seattle Weekly Investigates Thomas Hale Boggs Sr.'s Disappearance Using FOIA Requests
A Doe Network entry, updated in November 2021, noted a 2012 investigation by the Seattle Weekly that used Freedom of Information Act requests to uncover documents related to Thomas Hale Boggs Sr.'s disappearance.
June 2020 — 2 developments
Reddit discussion highlights podcast's theory of mobster planting bomb on Begich's plane
A Reddit discussion from 2020 highlights the 'Missing in Alaska' podcast's exploration of a theory that a bomb may have been planted on the plane by a mobster who later married Begich's widow. This provides a specific example of the new information the podcast is investigating.
iHeartMedia produces 'Missing in Alaska' podcast investigating disappearance
The disappearance is investigated in a podcast produced by iHeartMedia called 'Missing in Alaska.'
March 1973 — 1 developments
Lindy Boggs Elected to Husband's Vacant Congressional Seat
Lindy Boggs, Thomas Hale Boggs Sr.'s wife, is elected in a special election to fill her husband's vacant congressional seat.
January 1973 — 2 developments
NTSB report reveals lack of ELT in aircraft involved in accident that influenced 1973 requirement
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its report on the incident, noting that neither the pilot nor the aircraft had an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) and that a portable ELT was found in another aircraft. This accident influenced the adoption of the ELT requirement in 1973.
House Resolution 1 recognizes Boggs's presumed death, enabling special election
House Resolution 1 officially recognizes Boggs's presumed death, paving the way for a special election to fill his vacant seat.
December 1972 — 1 developments
Thomas Hale Boggs Sr. declared dead in absentia after hearing and jury deliberation
Thomas Hale Boggs Sr. is officially declared dead in absentia after a hearing and jury deliberation.
November 1972 — 2 developments
Search for missing aircraft suspended after 39 days with no wreckage or remains found
After 39 days, the extensive search for the missing aircraft and its occupants is suspended. Neither the wreckage nor any remains are found.
Missing Thomas Hale Boggs Sr. and Nick Begich posthumously re-elected
Despite being missing, both Thomas Hale Boggs Sr. and Nick Begich are posthumously re-elected in the November elections.
October 1972 — 2 developments
Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, Civil Air Patrol, and civilians launch massive search operation
A massive search operation was launched involving the Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, Civil Air Patrol, and civilian aircraft.
US Coast Guard reports overdue plane, Air Force diverts C-130 for search
The US Coast Guard reports the plane overdue, and the Air Force diverts an 8C130 aircraft to begin a search.