A private plane crash in upstate New York over the weekend resulted in the deaths of all six individuals on board, including a prominent former college athlete from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Karenna Groff, and her family. The incident, which is now under investigation, occurred while the family was en route to a holiday celebration.
Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Esteemed MIT Athlete and Family in New York
Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Esteemed MIT Athlete and Family in New York
A private plane crash in upstate New York kills six, including former MIT athlete Karenna Groff, according to family statements.
On Saturday, the aircraft, identified as a twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B, crashed into an agricultural field near Craryville, New York, as confirmed by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The aircraft, carrying Karenna Groff, her parents Dr. Michael Groff and Dr. Joy Saini, her brother Jared Groff, his partner Alexia Couyutas Duarte, and Karenna's partner James Santoro, was reportedly flying under instrument flight rules at the time of the crash.
A joint family statement described the victims as a remarkable family dedicated to making a positive impact in the world. Karenna Groff, who was recognized as NCAA Woman of the Year in 2022, was in her first year of medical school at New York University (NYU). Her father, Dr. Groff, was noted to be an experienced pilot, although reports have yet to confirm whether he was piloting the aircraft during the flight.
Witnesses reported that air traffic control attempted to establish communication with the pilot but were unsuccessful, receiving no distress calls prior to the crash. Initial assessments by NTSB officials revealed that the plane was "compressed, buckled, and embedded in the terrain" upon impact. The cause of the crash is currently being investigated, with a full report expected in the next 12 to 24 months.
This tragic incident follows closely another aviation accident in New York, raising questions about aviation safety and accident frequency.
As the investigation continues, the profound loss felt by family, friends, and the community at large is evident, with many emphasizing the remarkable potential extinguished by this tragedy.
In light of these fatalities, discussions around aviation safety practices and regulations have gained attention, particularly concerning the impact of instrument flight rules in adverse weather conditions. The NTSB's findings may bring clarity to these concerns in the months ahead.
A joint family statement described the victims as a remarkable family dedicated to making a positive impact in the world. Karenna Groff, who was recognized as NCAA Woman of the Year in 2022, was in her first year of medical school at New York University (NYU). Her father, Dr. Groff, was noted to be an experienced pilot, although reports have yet to confirm whether he was piloting the aircraft during the flight.
Witnesses reported that air traffic control attempted to establish communication with the pilot but were unsuccessful, receiving no distress calls prior to the crash. Initial assessments by NTSB officials revealed that the plane was "compressed, buckled, and embedded in the terrain" upon impact. The cause of the crash is currently being investigated, with a full report expected in the next 12 to 24 months.
This tragic incident follows closely another aviation accident in New York, raising questions about aviation safety and accident frequency.
As the investigation continues, the profound loss felt by family, friends, and the community at large is evident, with many emphasizing the remarkable potential extinguished by this tragedy.
In light of these fatalities, discussions around aviation safety practices and regulations have gained attention, particularly concerning the impact of instrument flight rules in adverse weather conditions. The NTSB's findings may bring clarity to these concerns in the months ahead.
