New York State Police reported that at about 7 p.m. Thursday night officers responded to a plane crash on I-684 near Exit 2 in the town of Harrison. The airplane was a small general aviation single-engine aircraft.
A preliminary review of flight tracking data indicated that the plane had taken off from Linden Airport in Linden, New Jersey. The pilot had radioed air traffic control that there was an engine problem and he was attempting to make an emergency landing at Westchester.
There were two individuals on the plane, and one was confirmed dead at the scene, according to the State Police.
I-684 was closed in both directions, with detours in place Thursday night. I-684 was closed northbound at Exit 2 and southbound at Exit 3.
Aiircraft approaching to land at Westchester County Airport using Runway 16 cross low over I-684 close to Exit 2 before reaching the runway threshold. Aircraft departing from the opposite end, which is Runway 34, climb out while passing over I-684. Runway 34 was in use at the time of the accident.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft was a Costruzioni Aeronautica Technam light sport aircraft. Light sport aircraft have lower maximum gross weights and slower takeoff and landing speeds than do other types of aircraft that have been certificated by the FAA. They are restricted to having a maximum of two seats The registered owner of the aircraft that crashed is a leasing company located in Smyrna, Tennessee. The airplane was first registered with the FAA in October, 2022.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday night said, “I have been briefed on a small aircraft crash near Exit 2 on I-684 in the City of Harrison in Westchester County. State Police immediately responded with local emergency responders and determined there were two people on board, and one person has been confirmed deceased and the other is in serious condition. The highway has been closed in both directions as the investigation continues. The crash also caused an aviation gas spill, which DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) is working rapidly to contain and clean up. My heart goes out to the loved ones of those on board during this tragic incident, and I am praying for a safe recovery for the injured individual.”
The National Transportation Safety Board has begun an investigation into the plane crash. A preliminary report is expected in several days but it will take much longer for a probable cause of the accident to be determined.
