Deadly Plane Crash in Upstate New York Leaves Six on Board

COPAKE, N.Y. — A small plane carrying six people crashed into a muddy field in Copake, New York, on Saturday afternoon, with authorities confirming at least one fatality. The twin-engine turboprop Mitsubishi MU-2B crashed around 12:15 p.m. local time while en route to Columbia County Airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration reported that the aircraft was approximately 50 miles south of Albany when it went down. The precise details of the fatalities and the identities of those on board have not yet been disclosed, pending family notifications.

According to Undersheriff Jacqueline Salvatore of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, adverse weather conditions in the muddy field have hindered access for first responders and investigators. “The muddy conditions have made it especially challenging for our teams to reach the crash site,” Salvatore said in a press briefing.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced that it would send a go-team to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. A media briefing is scheduled for Sunday to provide updates on the investigation.

Authorities responded to a 911 call regarding the crash and are currently interviewing witnesses. Few details have emerged about the flight path or what might have led to the accident. No preliminary cause has been stated by the NTSB.

This incident occurs just days after another aviation mishap, where a Bell 206 L-4 helicopter crashed into the Hudson River, resulting in six deaths, including a family visiting from Spain.

As more information becomes available regarding Saturday’s crash, local and federal authorities remain focused on determining the cause and confirming further details about those involved.