The devastating incident highlights the precarious nature of private air travel as an investigation unfolds.
Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of MIT Athlete and Family in New York
Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of MIT Athlete and Family in New York
A private plane crash in New York has tragically taken the lives of a promising former MIT athlete, her family, and her partner.
On Saturday, a private plane carrying six individuals, including celebrated former Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) football player Karenna Groff, crashed in an open field in upstate New York, with no survivors. The flight was transporting Karenna and her family—her parents, Dr. Michael Groff and Dr. Joy Saini, her brother Jared Groff and his partner Alexia Couyutas Duarte, along with Karenna's partner, James Santoro—when tragedy struck.
Authorities reported that the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash, which occurred while they were traveling for a holiday gathering. Video evidence captured the moments leading to the crash, revealing the aircraft intact prior to its rapid descent into the ground.
In a joint family statement, the Groff family is remembered fondly for their contributions to their communities. “They were a wonderful family,” said James Santoro's father, expressing profound grief at the loss of individuals who had so much potential to impact the world positively.
Karenna Groff had achieved notable recognition during her college career, being honored as Woman of the Year by the NCAA, with aspirations to become a medical professional at NYU. The NTSB crash investigation pointed out that Dr. Groff, identified as the pilot, had substantial flying experience. The twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B crash site displayed severe damage and was deeply embedded in the soft terrain of a muddy field near Craryville.
NTSB official Todd Inman reported that air traffic control attempted multiple communications with the pilot, but received no response. It remains unclear whether weather conditions may have played a role in the accident, as the pilot was flying under instrument flight rules. The aircraft featured modern cockpit technology, compliant with FAA standards.
As the investigation continues, the families involved and the wider community mourns the loss of life, reflecting on the fragility and unpredictability of private aviation. This comes in the wake of another tragic aviation accident, where six lives were also lost in a helicopter crash in New York just days prior.
Authorities reported that the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash, which occurred while they were traveling for a holiday gathering. Video evidence captured the moments leading to the crash, revealing the aircraft intact prior to its rapid descent into the ground.
In a joint family statement, the Groff family is remembered fondly for their contributions to their communities. “They were a wonderful family,” said James Santoro's father, expressing profound grief at the loss of individuals who had so much potential to impact the world positively.
Karenna Groff had achieved notable recognition during her college career, being honored as Woman of the Year by the NCAA, with aspirations to become a medical professional at NYU. The NTSB crash investigation pointed out that Dr. Groff, identified as the pilot, had substantial flying experience. The twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B crash site displayed severe damage and was deeply embedded in the soft terrain of a muddy field near Craryville.
NTSB official Todd Inman reported that air traffic control attempted multiple communications with the pilot, but received no response. It remains unclear whether weather conditions may have played a role in the accident, as the pilot was flying under instrument flight rules. The aircraft featured modern cockpit technology, compliant with FAA standards.
As the investigation continues, the families involved and the wider community mourns the loss of life, reflecting on the fragility and unpredictability of private aviation. This comes in the wake of another tragic aviation accident, where six lives were also lost in a helicopter crash in New York just days prior.
