The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating a tragic plane crash that occurred at Block Island State Airport in Rhode Island. The incident involved a Piper Cherokee aircraft that departed from Albany International Airport on Wednesday (July 30). The crash resulted in the death of one passenger and injuries to two others.

According to Times Union, the aircraft was owned by Condair Flyers Inc., a flying club based in Latham. The plane attempted to land at Block Island State Airport multiple times before crashing east of the runway during its third attempt. Emergency services, including over 20 firefighters, police officers, and rescue squad members, responded to the scene. The runway was closed temporarily but reopened later that day.

The three individuals on board were transported to Block Island Medical Center, where a 77-year-old man died en route. The other two passengers were airlifted to Rhode Island Hospital, but their conditions remain unclear. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.

An NTSB investigator is expected to arrive on site to document the scene and examine the aircraft. The NTSB typically releases a preliminary report within 30 days, with a final report following within a year. Rhode Island PBS reported that the plane ended up upside down in bushes near the runway. The investigation aims to uncover the cause of the crash and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Christa Cooper