David Whitehurst Missing Person Case

David Earl Whitehurst, aged 40, was last seen on April 17, 1992, in Tampa, Florida. On that evening, he flew out of Vandenberg Airport in a single-engine Piper PA 28-181 plane, which he had leased. His silver Dodge Stealth was found parked at the airport, with his wallet and keys still inside. Whitehurst, who had only obtained his pilot’s license the month prior, did not file a flight plan, and the weather conditions at the time were challenging for an inexperienced pilot. Search efforts by the Civil Air Patrol did not commence until April 21, making it difficult to locate him or his plane.

Whitehurst was involved in the debt collection business and owned a company called Continental Recovery Systems. He was facing professional challenges, including a decision to cancel a pending business merger and legal disputes with former employees. Additionally, there were reports that he had been threatened, and his lawyer revealed that Whitehurst felt he was being followed in the weeks before his disappearance.

Despite extensive searches, no trace of Whitehurst or his plane has been found, and his case remains unsolved. Investigators have considered the possibility of foul play, given the nature of his business dealings, but no concrete evidence has surfaced to explain his disappearance.
Last Seen: Apr 17, 1992

Missing Person / NamUs #MP12308

Missing businessman's trail leads to doubt and confusion

David Earl Whitehurst - The Charley Project

Scholarship Directory - BigFuture Scholarship Search

Civil Air Patrol suspends search for missing pilot - Tampa Bay Times

Obituaries/Death Notices - VAUMC