Writer

Amy Wilder

A Mitsubishi MU-2B turboprop crashed near Craryville, New York, on April 12, killing a family of six traveling to a holiday gathering. “There was no distress call from the pilot,” NTSB board member Todd Inman said during a Sunday press <a href="https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/WPR25MA128.aspx">briefing</a>, adding that air traffic control made multiple unsuccessful attempts to reach the aircraft.
The turboprop had been en route to Columbia County Airport (1B1) when it crashed around midday. Victims were identified by a family statement reported by the BBC as Michael Groff, Joy Saini, their daughter Karenna Groff, her partner James Santoro, their son Jared Groff, and his partner Alexia Couyutas Duarte.
Preliminary details suggest the MU-2B experienced no apparent in-flight breakup. Inman said that its cockpit was fitted with newer (presumably avionics) technology. The family statement, cited by The New York Times, described Michael Groff as an experienced pilot.
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed the airplane intact before ground impact, descending at a high rate. “The aircraft was compressed, buckled, and embedded in the terrain,” Inman noted. He also confirmed that the flight was operating under instrument flight rules. Conditions at the time included overcast skies and rain, but investigators have not confirmed that weather was a factor.
The NTSB’s investigation will examine pilot records, maintenance logs, and operational factors. A final report is expected in 12 to 24 months.

News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

No Distress Call Recorded as NTSB Begins Probe into New York MU-2B Crash

Family was en route to holiday gathering 

A family of six perished when their Mitsubishi MU-2B turboprop crashed in New York. Investigators are reviewing weather and operational factors.  

No Distress Call Made in New York MU-2B Turboprop Crash

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

A PC-12 collided with the threshold slope at Courchevel Airport in the French Alps

Ski Resort Accident Crew Had Limited Mountain Experience

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Company’s abrupt firing of operations director prompts FAA emergency order

FAA Orders Emergency Suspension for NY Helicopter

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Overall accident rate dipped despite higher fatalities 

Fatal Rotorcraft Accidents Spike in March

Recovery concludes after key evidence secured

Rotor, Transmission Recovered in Hudson River Crash

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

More In Accidents

Ski Resort Accident Crew Had Limited Mountain Experience

A PC-12 collided with the threshold slope at Courchevel Airport in the French Alps

FAA Orders Emergency Suspension for NY Helicopter

Company’s abrupt firing of operations director prompts FAA emergency order

Fatal Rotorcraft Accidents Spike in March

Overall accident rate dipped despite higher fatalities

Rotor, Transmission Recovered in Hudson River Crash

Recovery concludes after key evidence secured

Hawker Overshoots Runway at Morocco’s Fès–Saïss Airport

Two pilots and a flight attendant were released from the hospital with light injuries

HondaJets Experience Runway Overruns in Oregon, Florida

No fatalities in either accident, but injuries occurred when one went into the water

Bell LongRanger Crashes into Hudson River, Killing Six

Main rotor blades and the tail boom appeared to have separated from the aircraft while in flight

NTSB’s Graham Urges Aircraft Operators To Remain Vigilant

Board member Graham stressed that everyone in aviation is responsible for public trust

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN