2 people killed in western Massachusetts plane crash
Two people died Saturday night after a small plane crashed in wooded area of western Massachusetts.
It happened around 9:30 p.m. in the area of Center Street in Ludlow.
Initially, the incident was called in as a missing aircraft. Callers in Ludlow and Belchertown then began calling emergency dispatchers to report a low-flying plane. Some callers reported hearing a crash, the Ludlow Police Department and Ludlow Fire Department said in a joint statement.
It was unclear exactly where the plane crashed until a Civil Air Patrol pilot was able to use a beacon receiver while riding with police officers. The beacon help locate the plane in a "remote, wooded area" off Center Street. Police then used drones to find the exact position of the crash site.
Sunday morning, the Hampden District Attorney's office confirmed that two people were found dead in the Piper 28A following the crash. No one survived the crash, which happened in about four feet of swamp waters.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board were notified of the crash. They are responding to investigate and will investigate along with state police, the Hampden DA and Ludlow police.
The names of the people killed in the crash have not yet been released.
Christopher Hyldburg of Hyldburg Aviation told WBZ-TV the victims and aircraft were part of Alpha-One Flight Services. Alpha-One runs a flight school and rents out planes.The plane was traveling between Plymouth and Northampton.
"While we are devastated at the loss for our flying family, this pales to the overwhelming heartache for the family and friends of two very special people. It is with much love we send our condolences," Hyldburg said. "Alpha One cannot comment on the investigation, but we are assisting [literally] side-by-side with Federal, State and Local authorities. This is the first accident resulting in injury in Alpha One's 38 year history; we appreciate your discretion and understanding."
Crews will remain in the area into Monday until the aircraft is removed.
"Our thoughts are with the families of those lost in last night's crash," Ludlow Fire Chief Ryan Pease said. "I also want to recognize the first responders who have been working tirelessly during this recovery mission."
A town in Hampden County, Ludlow is located just over 10 miles north and east of Springfield, which is the third-largest city in Massachusetts. Ludlow is also about 80 miles west of Boston.
