Photo credit: www.bbc.com
Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Six in New York
A private plane crash in an open field in upstate New York on Saturday resulted in the loss of all six individuals on board, as reported by local authorities.
The passengers included Karenna Groff, a noted former football player at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), along with her family: her parents, Dr. Michael Groff and Dr. Joy Saini, her brother Jared Groff, his partner Alexia Couyutas Duarte, and Karenna’s partner, James Santoro. This information was confirmed through a joint statement from the family.
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicated that the Groff family was en route for a holiday celebration at the time of the tragic accident.
Officials have obtained a video documenting the final moments of the flight, which indicated that the aircraft was intact before it descended rapidly and crashed into the ground.
James Santoro’s father, John Santoro, expressed his profound sorrow about the incident, describing the family members as “wonderful” people who had the potential to contribute positively to society. He shared that their loss has left an immense void for friends and loved ones.
Karenna Groff was a celebrated athlete recognized as the NCAA Woman of the Year in 2022, her senior year. She graduated from MIT and was currently pursuing her medical studies at New York University (NYU). Her family noted her commitment to healthcare and her passion for helping others.
Both of Karenna’s parents were distinguished medical professionals, while her brother Jared Groff was employed as a paralegal, with his partner Alexia set to begin studies at Harvard Law School.
In a statement, a spokesperson for NYU highlighted Karenna’s exceptional abilities and dedication to patient care, remembering her for her kindness, grace, and the joy she brought to those around her.
Reports suggest that Dr. Michael Groff, the plane’s pilot, had significant flying experience. However, this detail has not been officially confirmed by either the family or the NTSB.
During a press conference, NTSB official Todd Inman described the wreckage of the twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B, stating that it was found “compressed, buckled, and embedded in the terrain” of a muddy field in Craryville, New York. The accident occurred around midday while the family was en route to Columbia County Airport.
Inman noted that air traffic control attempts to reach the pilot were unsuccessful, as there were no responses or distress signals. He added that the pilot was operating under instrument flight rules at the time of the crash, with visibility conditions yet to be determined as a contributing factor.
The aircraft was equipped with an updated cockpit that complied with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. An investigation into the incident is currently ongoing, with a probable cause expected to be outlined in the NTSB’s final report, anticipated within 12 to 24 months.
This tragic event follows closely on the heels of another recent helicopter crash in New York, which claimed the lives of six individuals, including a family of Spanish tourists.
Source
www.bbc.com