The Central Intelligence Agency and the American state department have joined in the continent-wide search for the aircraft US authorities said was probably stolen from the airport in the capital Luanda as part of a business dispute or financial scam.
A less likely, but far more chilling scenario, is that the plane was either stolen by terrorists or could end up in their hands for a possible September 11-type attack somewhere in Africa, said US officials.
The 28-year-old jetliner was stolen from under the noses of Luanda airport's control tower on May 25 and has not been sighted since. It had been parked at the airport for 14 months.
'I haven't come across this before in 22 years in this business'
US spy satellites have taken pictures of remote airstrips throughout Africa, including those at a half-fuel-tank's distance from Luanda's 4 de Fevereiro airport. US diplomats have travelled across Africa looking for the aircraft.
"I haven't come across this before in 22 years in this business," said Chris Yates, a civil aviation security analyst for Jane's Aviation service.
"It is not a stretch to think this plane could end up in the hands of terrorists. A number of companies involved in gun-running and other crimes in Africa have indirect ties to various terrorist groups," he added.
Flown by American Airlines for decades, the 47m, 90 700kg jetliner was later owned, leased or subleased by a number of people and companies. Aerospace Sales and Leasing in Miami is its current owner.
Angolan state radio said shortly after its disappearance that it had been chartered by the Angolan airline Airangol but was grounded after being banned from overflying Angolan territory on account of a series of irregularities.
Eischhh Africa ....