Fatal Plane Crash in Upstate New York Claims Six Lives
A private aircraft carrying six individuals plummeted into an open field in upstate New York on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of all occupants, authorities have confirmed. The tragic incident is currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Among the deceased are Karenna Groff, a distinguished former football player from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), along with her parents and brother, according to a statement released by the family.
Victims Identified in New York Plane Crash
Prominent Family Among Those Killed
The victims of the devastating plane crash have been identified in a joint family statement as Karenna Groff, her parents Dr. Michael Groff and Dr. Joy Saini, her brother Jared Groff, his partner Alexia Couyutas Duarte, and Karenna’s partner James Santoro. The family was reportedly en route to a holiday gathering when the tragedy occurred.
“They were a wonderful family,” expressed John Santoro, James’s father, to the Associated Press. “The world lost a lot of very good people who were going to do a lot of good for the world if they had the opportunity. We’re all personally devastated.”
Tributes Paid to Karenna Groff and Family
Karenna Groff, recognized for her athletic achievements, was honored as Woman of the Year by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in 2022 during her final year at MIT. She was a graduate of MIT, where she met James, and was pursuing medical studies at New York University (NYU).
Her parents were both respected physicians, while her brother, Jared, was employed as a paralegal. His partner, Alexia, was preparing to commence her studies at Harvard Law School.
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An NYU spokesperson released a statement acknowledging Karenna’s contributions: “Karenna demonstrated exceptional skill and unwavering passion towards the care of patients and the mission of our institution. We will remember her for her warmth, her grace, her kindness, her outstanding accomplishments, and the pure joy she brought to our community.”
NTSB Investigates Plane Crash Details
Aircraft Intact Before Impact
Video footage from the final moments of the flight, reviewed by officials, indicated that the aircraft was structurally sound prior to its high-velocity impact with the ground, according to the NTSB. The aircraft, a twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B, was discovered “compressed, buckled and embedded in the terrain” of a muddy agricultural field near Craryville, New York, as described by NTSB official Todd Inman at a Sunday press conference.
Pilot Communication and Flight Conditions
The crash transpired around midday as the family traveled towards Columbia County Airport. Mr. Inman noted that air traffic control had attempted to contact the pilot repeatedly but received no response or distress signal.
The pilot was operating under instrument flight rules, rather than visual flight rules, Mr. Inman stated. He added it was premature to determine if diminished visibility due to weather conditions played a role in the crash.
Advanced Cockpit Technology
Mr. Inman confirmed the aircraft featured an upgraded cockpit equipped with modern technology, certified to Federal Aviation Administration standards.
Long-Term Investigation Underway
A comprehensive investigation into the cause of the plane crash is currently in progress. The NTSB expects to release its final report, outlining the probable cause, within 12 to 24 months.
This incident follows shortly after a separate aviation tragedy in New York, where six individuals perished in a helicopter crash, including a family of Spanish tourists.