MISSING JET MYSTERY

Plane carrying six passengers VANISHES over Lake Erie – so could this strange leather bag found nearby hold the clue as to what happened?

Aircraft was carrying CEO John Fleming, his wife, two sons and two family friends when it came down on Tuesday

Danny Collins

Published: 13:15, 2 Jan 2017
Updated: 13:25, 2 Jan 2017

A BAG found in an Ohio lake could hold the key to discovering the fate of a private jet that disappeared with six on board.

Drinks company CEO John T Fleming, wife Sue, their two sons Jack and Andrew and two unnamed friends vanished over Lake Erie last week.

Investigators believe a leather bag found in Lake Erie could hold the key to solving the mystery of a plane that disappeared over the lake last week — Investigators believe a leather bag found in Lake Erie could hold the key to solving the mystery of a plane that disappeared over the lake last weekCredit: WKYC

The plane was carrying drinks company CEO John T Fleming, right, wife Sue, left, their two sons Jack, second left, and Andrew, second right, and two unnamed friends — The plane was carrying drinks company CEO John T Fleming, right, wife Sue, left, their two sons Jack, second left, and Andrew, second right, and two unnamed friendsCredit: WKYC

And baffled investigators hope the discovery of a leather satchel could help them unravel the mystery.

It is believed to carry the ID of one of the plane's passengers.

Rescue crews led by helicopter and aeroplane teams have been scouring the lake in Cleveland since Tuesday.

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They have confirmed they do not expect to find survivors.

The family had been on their way to Ohio State University Airport after watching a basketball game at the college.

Dad John was piloting the jet when it ditched in the 10,000 square mile lake.

He was on board with his two sons, Andrew, a special Olympics athlete, and Jack, a high school student.

A search effort is being carried out over Lake Erie, one of America's Great Lakes, led by helicopter and aeroplane teams — A search effort is being carried out over Lake Erie, one of America's Great Lakes, led by helicopter and aeroplane teamsCredit: AP:Associated Press

Captain Michael Mullen of the US Coast Guard answered questions on Friday as detectives focused their attention on the leather bag found in the lake — Captain Michael Mullen of the US Coast Guard answered questions on Friday as detectives focused their attention on the leather bag found in the lakeCredit: AP:Associated Press

His company Superior Beverage Group said in a statement: "As we all await the results of the search and rescue efforts, our hearts are with John, his wife, their sons, and close friends on board, as well as with their loved ones and everyone in the Superior Beverage family.

"This is a difficult day for us, and we appreciate the concern and thoughtfulness extended by so many."

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Ohio