A quiet afternoon in Columbia County turned tragic when a small plane carrying six people crashed in an open field near Copake, New York, on Saturday. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the crash involved a Mitsubishi MU-2B-40 aircraft, a twin-engine turboprop. At least one person was killed, according to Columbia County Undersheriff Jacqueline Salvatore, but the number of survivors remains unknown as officials continue their investigation.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene following a 911 call received shortly after noon. The location of the crash, in a muddy and remote field, made access difficult for first responders. Salvatore stated that the plane did not strike any buildings or homes on its descent, which may have prevented a larger catastrophe. However, the circumstances leading to the crash remain unclear.
Flight tracking data from FlightAware shows a Mitsubishi MU-2B-40 taking off from Westchester County Airport at 11:32 a.m. and scheduled to land at Columbia County Airport in Hudson by 12:06 p.m. The flight path stopped abruptly just before the airport after turning east, raising questions about what occurred in those final minutes.
Authorities are now working to determine the exact cause of the crash. No information has been released about the identities of those onboard. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, and local fire departments coordinated the initial response and secured the site for further investigation.
The National Transportation Safety Board is taking over the investigation and has dispatched a team to arrive Saturday evening. Investigators will examine the wreckage, weather conditions, and flight data, along with maintenance records and pilot qualifications, to piece together what led to the deadly incident.
While the Mitsubishi MU-2B has a complex history in aviation, including past concerns over its safety profile, it is too early to say whether mechanical issues or pilot error played a role in Saturday’s crash. The model has undergone FAA-mandated safety training programs for pilots in recent years due to its unique handling requirements.
Residents in Copake, a small town known for its peaceful farmlands and scenic views, expressed shock at the sudden disaster. Some reported hearing a strange noise moments before the crash. “It was like a rumble and then a loud thump,” said a nearby resident. “You just knew something terrible had happened.”
Local leaders offered condolences and praised the bravery of emergency personnel who fought through the harsh terrain to reach the site. The crash has shaken the small rural community, where such events are rare and deeply felt.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are urging the public to avoid the crash site. The FAA and NTSB are expected to provide initial findings in the coming days, though a complete report may take several months.
For now, the Columbia County community mourns the loss of life and awaits answers about the sudden and tragic end to what should have been a routine flight.
