Small plane crashes in Massachusetts on Jan. 14, 2024.Photo:CBS Boston/ YouTube
CBS Boston/ YouTube
Three people were killed in a small plane crash in western Massachusetts Sunday morning, per aMassachusetts State Police (MSP)news release.
“A twin-engine Beechcraft Baron 55 crashed in Leyden, Massachusetts, around 12:30 p.m. local time on Sunday,” the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shared with PEOPLE.
The victims were identified Monday as William Hampton, 68, Frederika Ballard, 53, and Chad Davidson, 29, state police said. Ballard was theFly Lugu Flight Schoolowner, Hampton was an instructor and Davidson was a student pilot.
The crash occurred two hours west of Boston, near the Massachusetts-Vermont border. The MSP reports that “authorities began searching for the crash site at approximately 11:30 AM.” The search began after “Greenfield Police/Fire Dispatch received 911 calls from dog walkers in Leyden and Greenfield reporting a plane that appeared about to crash.”
Upon arrival at the crash site, the MSP Crime Scene Services processed and documented the crash site. An investigation into the crash has begun, with the MSP, Greenfield Police, Northwest District Attorney’s Office, Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board working together.
On Sunday, state troopers remained at the site to provide overnight security.
An NTSB investigator arrived at the crash site on Monday to inspect the scene and aircraft. “Electronic devices that could contain information relevant to the investigation have been sent to NTSB headquarters in Washington, D.C.,” said Sulick. “The aircraft was also recovered to an offsite facility for further examination.”
“During the on-scene phase of the investigative process, the NTSB does not determine or speculate about the cause of the accident,” Sulick told PEOPLE.
She said, “A preliminary report will be available within 30 days.” However, the crash’s “probable cause” and “contributing factors” will be in the final report, “which is expected in 12-24 months.”
Additionally, the investigation will gather intel regarding the flight track data, air traffic control communications, aircraft maintenance, weather forecasts, weather and lighting conditions, witness statements, electronic devices and surveillance video, as well as the pilot’s license, ratings, recent flight experience and a 72-hour background, reportsNBC 10.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Representatives for the Massachusetts State Police, Greenfield Police and Northwest District Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for additional information on Monday.
source: people.com
