Plane "Missing" over eastern Spanish coast.

[Eff Oh]

From BBC CEEFAX:

A Spanish plane flying eight Americans to Algeria has disappeared from radar screens off the coast of Catalonia.

The aircraft belonging to Spain's Flight Line with two Spanish crew was travelling to the Algerian city of Oran from Barcelona, a Spanish official said.

In the last contact the pilot had asked for a change of route due to bad weather, the governmet offical said.

US consular officials in Barcelona did not name any of the missing Americans.

Eff Oh :( :( :(

[Cyclic Hotline]

Sad news on this story. Condolences to the families and colleagues of all affected by this.

Rescue Crews Find Plane Debris

MADRID, Spain (AP) - Rescue aircraft on Friday located floating debris from a plane that disappeared two days ago over the Mediterranean with eight American passengers on board.

The debris was found in waters about 40 miles south of Castellon, Spain. Serial numbers linked pieces to cabin instruments in the missing aircraft, Spanish Air Force Cmdr. Felix Manjon told the Spanish news agency Efe.

Manjon said helicopters were transporting more debris to an airport for investigation.

The plane, operated by Flightline Airlines, was en route from Barcelona's El Prat airport to the Algerian coastal city of Oran when it dropped from radar Wednesday morning.

It was carrying seven employees and a partner in Consolidated Restorations Systems Inc., a mechanical engineering company based in Fairfield, Conn., said James C. Stotlar, who also is a partner. The pilot and co-pilot were Spaniards.

Authorities said the pilot had asked for permission to alter his course due to bad weather.

News reports said search crews were combing an area of 5,300 square miles off Spain's eastern coast.

Four of the passengers were from Virginia Beach, Va.; two were from Fairfield; one was from Coronado, Calif.; and one was from Nashville, Tenn. Authorities have not released their names.