Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Fatal Plane Crash in Columbia County, New York Claims Six Lives
A private aircraft crashed in Columbia County, New York, resulting in no survivors. The tragic aviation accident occurred on Saturday as the plane was attempting a second landing at Columbia County Airport near Ghent. Authorities have confirmed six individuals perished in the incident, all en route to a family holiday gathering.
Details of the Aircraft and Passengers
Victims Identified in Columbia County Plane Crash
Federal officials disclosed at a Sunday news conference that six people were aboard the aircraft. A family spokesperson, John Santoro, conveyed in a statement to The Associated Press the passing of his son, James Santoro, a recent graduate of MIT, in the devastating crash.
The statement further identified the other victims as:
- Karenna Groff: Former MIT soccer player and 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year.
- Dr. Michael Groff: Neuroscientist and father of Karenna Groff.
- Dr. Joy Saini: Urogynecologist and mother of Karenna Groff.
- Jared Groff: 2022 Swarthmore College graduate and paralegal, brother of Karenna Groff.
- Alexia Couyutas Duarte: Partner of Jared Groff, Swarthmore graduate, and prospective Harvard Law School student.
- James Santoro: Boyfriend of Karenna Groff and son of John Santoro.
NTSB Investigation Underway Following Ghent Plane Crash
Todd Inman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stated at the news conference that all six occupants were recovered from the wreckage, and none were transported to hospitals, indicating fatal injuries at the scene. Inman described the severity of the crash, noting, “The aircraft was compressed, buckled and embedded into the terrain… crashed at a high rate of descent into the ground.”
Crash Circumstances and Investigation
Mitsubishi MU-2B Involved in Columbia County Accident
The aircraft involved was identified as a Mitsubishi MU-2B, piloted by an experienced individual. The crash site was a field near Copake, approximately 10 miles south of Columbia County Airport, the intended destination. The incident happened around 12:15 p.m. Saturday. The flight originated from Westchester County Airport in West Harrison, north of New York City, roughly 100 miles south of Ghent.
Pilot’s Actions Prior to Fatal Impact
According to NTSB investigator Albert Nixon, the pilot had aborted an initial landing attempt and was in the process of preparing for a second approach when the aircraft impacted the ground at high velocity. “The pilot reported a missed approach,” Nixon confirmed at the press briefing regarding the moments before the Columbia County plane crash.
Lack of Communication and Low Altitude Warning
Air traffic control at Columbia County Airport made four unsuccessful attempts to contact the pilot. Nixon noted that initial radio communication efforts were to alert the pilot about a low-altitude warning. Despite repeated attempts, “There was no distress call” from the pilot before the devastating impact, Nixon added.
Weather Conditions and Instrument Flight Rules
NTSB officials indicated the pilot was navigating by instrument flight rules due to conditions that included snow cover, overcast skies, and a temperature of 35 degrees, according to National Weather Service data. Visibility may have been a factor in the attempted landing. Investigators have examined video footage of the accident, though its public release is considered unlikely.
Aircraft Details and Ownership
Inman explained that the Mitsubishi MU-2B is a twin-turboprop aircraft featuring a pressurized cabin, similar to commercial airliners, affording it greater altitude and range capabilities compared to many non-commercial planes. He also mentioned that the aircraft had been recently acquired and received “a very upgraded avionics package” last year.
FAA records indicate the plane is registered to Dynamic Spine Solutions LLC, based in Weston, Massachusetts. State incorporation documents list Dr. Michael Groff as the sole agent and contact for this entity.
Local Authorities Respond to Plane Crash
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office has not yet issued an official confirmation regarding the fatalities or the identities of those onboard.