NTSB Briefing: Investigation into Deadly Copake, NY Plane Crash

NTSB Investigation Update

• ✈️ NTSB officials provided an update on the investigation into a deadly plane crash in Copake, New York, which resulted in six fatalities.
• 🤝 The family assistance group has been actively supporting and informing the families of those affected by the tragedy.
• 🤝 Party status has been established for entities with expertise or involvement in the accident, including Honeywell (engine manufacturer), the FAA, and NACTA (air traffic controllers).
• 🇯🇵 The Japanese Safety Board has been granted accredited status, with Mitsubishi (aircraft manufacturer) acting as a technical representative.

Investigative Process and Teams

• 🗺️ A multidisciplinary team, led by Investigator in Charge Albert Nixon, is conducting the investigation.
• 🚁 Drone and UAS teams have completed aerial views and mapping of the wreckage and surrounding areas, providing valuable imagery for post-impact inspection.
• 📸 The Sheriff's office provided over 1,000 post-impact images, which are crucial for documenting the scene before wreckage extraction.
• 🧑‍✈️ A team of air traffic control specialists has begun interviewing controllers involved in the flight, with interviews expected to continue for the next week.

Evidence Collection and Analysis

• 💾 Avionics and memory cards have been secured from the aircraft and are being sent to NTSB laboratories for data extraction and analysis.
• ⚙️ Engines are being prepped for a full teardown in Phoenix, Arizona, with close collaboration from Honeywell.
• 🚚 Aircraft recovery experts are on-site, working on the extraction of the wreckage, which will be moved to a secure facility in Massachusetts for further examination.
• 📡 ADSB data from the FAA is being analyzed to provide detailed information on altitude, speed, location, and trajectory, which will be overlaid with other investigative data.

Flight and Weather Information

• ✈️ The aircraft was on its second flight of the day, having departed Norwood Memorial earlier and White Plains en route to Columbia Airport before the crash.
• ☁️ Automated weather recorded at Columbia Airport four minutes prior to the accident indicated a minimum ceiling of 400 ft AGL, with deteriorating conditions.
• 🛬 The 400 ft ceiling met the minimum requirement for an IFR instrument flight approach at that airport.

Pilot and Aircraft Records

• 🧑‍✈️ The pilot had completed the additional training required for this specific Mitsubishi aircraft type and was deemed proficient.
• 📜 Maintenance records for the entire life of the aircraft are being reviewed, including inspections and recent work performed.
• ✈️ The airworthiness certificate is under review, with a focus on understanding any changes or upgrades that may have occurred over the aircraft's history.

Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps

• ⏳ The NTSB aims to collect all perishable evidence within the next five days, with the possibility of extending the on-site presence if necessary.
• 🔍 The objective is to determine not only what happened but why it happened to make recommendations and prevent future tragedies.
• 📄 A preliminary report is expected in 30 days, with a final report anticipated in 12 to 24 months, though urgent safety recommendations may be issued sooner if needed.
• 📧 The public is encouraged to submit any information or tips to [email protected].
• 🙏 Sincere condolences are extended to the families of the victims, and appreciation is expressed for the efforts of first responders and the local community.