NTSB examining wreckage of deadly plane crash on I-684, investigation underway into cause
The National Transportation Safety Board has released new details on a deadly plane crash on I-684 at the New York/Connecticut border.
The National Transportation Safety Board has released new details on a deadly plane crash on I-684 at the New York/Connecticut border.
It happened around 6:30 p.m. Thursday in between exits 2 and 3 in the Westchester County/Greenwich, Connecticut area.
The pilot of the small, single-engine plane reported engine failure moments before the crash, according to the NTSB. The plane crashed while trying to land at the Westchester County Airport.
Officials say the passenger, who was from Monsey, died in the crash.
They say the pilot, who is from Linden, New Jersey, has minor injuries. That's where officials with the NTSB say the plane was coming from before the crash.
Officials with multiple different departments say it's a miracle no drivers were injured since the plane crashed in between traffic on the interstate.
"They landed right in the median. For whatever reason, whether they did that intentionally to prevent the other stuff or not, pure luck," says assistant fire chief with the Armonk Fire Department, Carlos Cano.
Officials with the NTSB are investigating the crash. They are looking at the wreckage and any parts that could help them figure out a cause.
"I was very surprised, I didn't expect an accident to happen so close. But then again, you can't be too surprised, we are close to the airport," says Wayne Vercosa who works near where the crash happened.
The NTSB released the following statement:
NTSB is investigating the crash of a Tecnam P2008 airplane around 6:35 p.m. local time on Dec. 12 near Greenwich, Connecticut. The preliminary information we have is that the plane was traveling from Linden, New Jersey when one of the pilots reported engine failure. The plane then crashed on I-684 while attempting to land at the Westchester County Airport.
NTSB investigators arrived on site at 12 p.m. on Dec. 13 to begin the process of documenting the scene, examining the aircraft and meeting with representatives from airport operations. In the coming days, the team will continue to examine the wreckage, including the engine and any other parts that may help determine what caused the crash. They will also collect air traffic control data. The aircraft will then be recovered to a secure facility for further evaluation.
Investigators would like to express their gratitude for the support they’ve received from local law enforcement, emergency response and airport operations teams.
NTSB investigations involve three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment. As part of this process, investigators will gather the following information and records:
Flight track data
Recordings of any air traffic control communications
Aircraft maintenance records
Weather forecasts and actual weather and lighting conditions around the time of the accident
Pilot’s license, ratings and recency of flight experience
72-hour background of the pilot to determine if there were any issues that could have affected the pilot’s ability to safety operate the flight
Witness statements
Electronic devices that could contain information relevant to the investigation
Any available surveillance video, including from doorbell cameras
Witnesses to the accident or those who have surveillance video or other information that could be relevant to the investigation are asked to contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov.
