Lost in Air: N844AA - Part 1

Listen to the new season of Opportunist, out now wherever you listen to podcasts. In the 10th season of "The Opportunist: Tim Ballard," Podcast One will explore controversy surrounding Tim Ballard, the celebrated founder of Operation Underground Railroad, an organization known for its mission to combat human trafficking. Hailed by some as a modern-day hero, Ballard's reputation is now tarnished by controversy as allegations of sexual misconduct have emerged - shaking the foundations of his crusade. Through exclusive interviews with victims and those who know him best, this podcast series aims to unravel the complexities of Ballard's dual persona- a savior to some, a predator to others. Join host Sarah James McLaughlin as she explores the rise and potential fall of a man whose actions have sparked a national conversation on trust, power, and accountability.

Brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and their friend Carter Rhoad traveled to Mexico’s Baja region in search of the perfect surfing spot. When they uncharacteristically stopped responding to text messages, their families immediately feared the worst.

In 1997, William Moldt was a successful businessman living in Southern Florida. But after a night out at a local night club, Moldt just disappeared. Vanished into thin air. Two decades later, a man researching school bus stops on the internet made an incredible discovery.

On 25 May, 2003, both Ben Padilla, an American flight engineer, and a massive 727 airliner disappeared from an airport in Angola. In part two of this story, we dive into first-person accounts of the aftermath, and what might have happened to N844AA.

As the sunset on 25 May, 2003, a Boeing 727 airliner was stolen from an airport in Angola. The pilot, Ben Padilla, was an American flight engineer sent to Africa by his company to retrieve the plane and prepare it to make the long flight back to the U.S. 20 years later, the plane and its pilot are still missing, despite a worldwide search by the FBI and international intelligence agencies.

Byron Smith was tired of his home being burgled. He said it had been broken into at least a half dozen times. And he was determined not to let it happen again. So, Smith set a trap and laid in wait to protect his “castle.” When two teenage cousins broke into his house on Elm Street, it set off a true-life horror story. Listen to Vigilante: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vigilante/id1622288667 https://open.spotify.com/show/49wzulSXKQKWYOIWoTVEPT?si=0d4c8835885e4fa1

Mariana and Jeremy scramble to locate a first-hand witness who could blow the case wide open, and finally get justice for Kris and Lisanne.

A grieving mother says her son was killed to silence him. What did he know about the deaths of Kris and Lisanne?

The tour guide Feliciano must know more than he's saying... right? Plus, whispers around Boquete of more related deaths.

What do the bones say about how Kris and Lisanne could have died, and whether it was a murder or an accident?