Engine issues caused small plane to land in water off coast of Branford: FAA
Engine issues caused small plane to land in water off coast of Branford: FAA
The small plane that landed in the Long Island Sound off the coast of Branford on Sunday was experiencing engine issues, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
In a notice created early this week, the FAA said the crash was an "accident" that left a Piper PA-32 aircraft with "substantial" damage. The aircraft was experiencing engine issues and the pilot ditched the aircraft in Long Island Sound in New Haven, according to the FAA.
The U.S. Coast Guard responded to rescue two people, who officials said were treated for minor injuries.
A Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN) spokesperson said Sunday that a Piper PA-32 aircraft was heading from Bridgeport-Sikorsky Airport (BDR) to an unspecified destination, with two people on board.
At 10:24 a.m. Sunday, the pilot of the plane declared an emergency to New York Air Traffic Control.
The plane, which was eight miles away from HVN at the time, was redirected to the airport for an emergency landing, the spokesperson said.
The aircraft was shortly after reported down in Long Island Sound off the coast of Branford, according to the spokesperson.
“Most people were surprised, the folks that were down here this morning seeing the fire crew run out, hearing the Coast Guard on the radio,” said Bill Smith, who lives in Branford. “I was shocked and concerned for the people on the plane.”
The Coast Guard Station in New Haven sent a 45-foot small boat after the Air Traffic Control tower alerted the Sector Long Island Sound Command Center.
New Haven Assistant Fire Chief Dan Coughlin said the fire department also sent two boats, along with boats sent from Branford, Guilford, East Haven and West Haven.
By the time rescue crews arrived, the plane was "fully submerged" in the water, according to the Branford Fire Department.
The plane was in the area of the Thimble Islands. A crew rescued the two people from the aircraft and brought them to the Stony Creek Pier where EMS brought them to a local hospital for evaluation.
The two people were "alert and OK," according to Coughlin. The Branford Fire Department said they were treated for minor injuries and symptoms of hypothermia before being evaluated.
“It’s a terrible tragedy and to have a positive outcome is what people have been talking about," Smith said. "Hat tip to the first responders, it was incredible they were able to get there so quickly and get the guys from the water, real credit to them.
"We are deeply relieved that both individuals were safely recovered and extend our sincere gratitude to all federal, state and local responders for their swift and coordinated response," a Tweed New Haven Airport spokesperson said.
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