One disturbing quote from the NYT article:

"Major Ryan also noted that Mr. Fossett did not take along a satellite phone or other radio equipment 'he would normally take because he only intended to be gone a short while.'"

<SIGH!> Assuming he's survived whatever befell him, a 406 MHz PLB would have likely already resulted in his rescue. Always carry your PLB with you when you fly, ALWAYS!

Survival gear is not just for long distance cross countries...