A tragic plane crash occurred in New York’s Columbia County on Saturday, claiming the lives of six individuals preparing for a holiday celebration. The private plane was attempting its second landing at Columbia County Airport in Ghent when it lost control.
Those aboard included some notable figures. James Santoro, a recent MIT graduate, was on the flight along with his girlfriend, Karenna Groff, a former MIT soccer player recognized as the NCAA Woman of the Year in 2022. They were joined by Karenna’s family: her father, Dr. Michael Groff, a neuroscientist; her mother, Dr. Joy Saini, a urogynecologist; and her brother, Jared Groff, who had just graduated from Swarthmore College. Jared’s partner, Alexia Couyutas Duarte, also a Swarthmore alumna, was on board.
NTSB officials, including Todd Inman, revealed that all six were pronounced dead after being pulled from the wreckage. They confirmed that the aircraft, a Mitsubishi MU-2B, crashed in a field near Copake around 12:15 PM. The plane had embarked from Westchester County Airport, which is about 100 miles south of Ghent.
The pilot, an experienced individual, attempted to land but reported a missed approach. Despite multiple attempts from the Columbia County Airport air traffic control to contact him about a low-altitude warning, there was no response. Tragically, there was no distress call before the crash.
Weather conditions included overcast skies and temperatures at 35 degrees, with snow on the ground, suggesting challenging flying conditions at the time of the incident. Investigators noted that the plane was operating on instruments rather than visually.
The Mitsubishi MU-2B is known for its pressurized cabin, allowing for higher and longer flights, similar to commercial aircraft. This specific plane had recently received a significant upgrade to its avionics, enhancing its overall capabilities. It was registered to Dynamic Spine Solutions LLC, based in Weston, Massachusetts, with Dr. Michael Groff listed as the contact person.
Such tragic incidents remind us of the risks associated with flying, even in seemingly safe conditions. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, private plane crashes account for a significant number of aviation fatalities, with 2022 data showing nearly 200 deaths from such events.
As the investigation unfolds, it highlights the importance of safety protocols and communication in aviation, especially during adverse conditions.
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