The missing Gulfstream-model aircraft operated by Latitude Air Ambulance was one of four in the company’s fleet.

The aircraft was built in 1996 by Israel Aircraft Industries for Gulfstream Aerospace and the company said it had a good reputation for its capability to complete long-range missions.

Known as the G100, and often called the Astra, the medical firm said on its website that it was the longest range dedicated medevac aircraft in North America and had a global reputation for its durability.

The jet, known for cruising above the weather, is equipped with a lavatory, which ensures its staff and patients are able to travel greater distances with fewer fuel stops. A total of 77 of the specific type were built.

The aircraft was commonly used by the United States military and differs from the private variants because it is fitted with military avionics.

It is manned by two crew members and can carry between six to nine passengers.

The Canadian-registered aircraft in question, bearing registration C-GRJP, made multiple trips around the US and Canada during September, including several long-haul flights.

Before last weekend, it completed a flight on September 23 from Canada, with an outbound flight to Boston the following morning.

Latitude Air Ambulance operates under the call sign “Heartbeat” and on Saturday morning, the flight was operating as Heartbeat 104 from Bermuda to Boston when air traffic control lost contact with the aircraft.

According to data posted on Flightaware.com, after departing LF Wade International Airport at 12.41am, the aircraft climbed to 24,000 feet, its cruising altitude for the flight, which it maintained until 1.04am.

At the time the crew were in contact with New York ATC but were handed over to Boston ATC when the jet descended, Flightaware’s tracking data indicated.

At that time, it dropped rapidly from 24,000 feet to 11,000 feet at about 1.06am. It was tracked for another four minutes at that altitude until Boston’s ATC lost contact.

The pilot had reported electrical problems and declared an emergency as the jet approached the US East Coast, according to air traffic control audio posted by LiveATC.net.

“Roger, you said you’re coming in blind, is that what you said?” Boston’s ATC asked the pilot, followed by a question on whether the pilot was declaring an emergency.

“OK, you’re coming in a little weak, so I didn’t hear what your response was, if you’re declaring an emergency or no,” ATC said.

The pilot then reported that the plane was passing 24,000 feet but subsequent attempts by ATC to contact the pilot were futile.

Another pilot in the vicinity was asked by ATC if he was able to see the aircraft on his on-board system but that pilot reported that he was at a lower level.

ATC reached out to another pilot to contact the aircraft but their attempts were unsuccessful.

The Federal Aviation Administration sent out an alert at 1.20am and the US Coast Guard was notified of the situation.

An extensive search was subsequently launched for the aircraft.