In a harrowing incident reported by Massachusetts State Police, a small plane bound for Martha's Vineyard Island crash-landed after a female passenger bravely assumed control of the aircraft when the pilot suffered a sudden medical emergency. The event occurred on Saturday, July 15, at approximately 3:15 p.m. in a grassy area near one of the runways at Martha's Vineyard Airport.
The aircraft involved was identified as a 2006 Piper Meridian, which had departed from Westchester County Airport in White Plains earlier that afternoon. Both the pilot and the passenger hailed from Connecticut, as confirmed by authorities.
According to the preliminary investigation conducted by Massachusetts State Police, the woman took over the controls after the 79-year-old male pilot experienced the medical emergency during the final approach to the island. Tragically, during the crash landing, the left wing of the aircraft broke in half.
Immediate medical attention was provided to both the pilot and passenger. They were initially transported to the local hospital, and due to the seriousness of the pilot's condition, he was subsequently airlifted via a medical helicopter to a hospital in Boston. His injuries were reported to be life-threatening.
Meanwhile, the passenger received medical evaluation at Martha's Vineyard Hospital and was later discharged. Unfortunately, specific details about her age have not been disclosed to the public.
Following the incident, the aircraft was carefully relocated to a secure location within the airport premises. The investigation into the crash is being conducted jointly by several authorities, including the Massachusetts State Police-Oak Bluffs Barracks, the State Police Detective Unit for the Cape and Islands District, and the Federal Aviation Administration.
For the latest updates on this developing story, stay tuned to LongIsland.com.