In a tragic turn of events, the fate of the missing New York JFK International Airport plane has been revealed. Authorities now say that the small plane that disappeared after leaving the airport Thursday evening crashed before reaching its destination.
Officials explained that the single-engine Beechcraft A36 was found near Rye Lake in White Plains, New York, located adjacent to the Westchester County Airport (HPN). The discovery of the aircraft was after a massive search-and-rescue operation.
Missing plane that disappeared departing New York's JFK airport found in White Plains, occupants dead: report https://t.co/yaAcYDnSMz
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The plane was heading to the Cuyahoga County Airport in Richmond Heights, Ohio. However, the pilot reported having engine trouble about a mile away from the Westchester County Airport. According to Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson Elizabeth Isham Cory, this was around 6:15 Thursday evening.
Unfortunately, the crash proved fatal for the pilot and a single passenger of the aircraft.
Kieran O’Leary, the Westchester police spokesperson, stated that air traffic controllers were aware the plane was approaching the White Plains airport. The pilot had already radioed them about the issues but then went silent.
Missing small plane that disappeared departing New York JFK airport has been found https://t.co/BLrtJpTuyN
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The Westchester County Airport is approximately 39 miles north of JFK which made it easier for a search to begin right away for the small plane.
A search was called into effect to determine what happened with the plane. O’Leary explained that Emergency responders, including Westchester police and firefighters, initially searched nearby woods and a reservoir.
Local news station News12 reported that emergency personnel searched by foot in the forests surrounding the potential crash site areas while dive teams and boats searched the water.
Missing plane that disappeared departing New York's JFK airport found in White Plains, occupants dead: report | Fox News https://t.co/GZHx08TrBR
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The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash and will release pertinent details as they find them. At this time the pilot’s and passenger’s identities have not been released.
