A twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft crashed into a muddy field near Copake, New York, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, with all six people aboard presumed dead as investigators face challenging conditions at the crash site.
At a Glance
- Plane crashed near Copake, NY, en route to Columbia County Airport
- All six people aboard are presumed dead
- Muddy terrain hampers investigation and recovery efforts
- FAA and NTSB are leading the investigation
- Cause of the crash remains undetermined
Fatal Crash in Copake
A tragic aviation accident occurred on Saturday, April 12, 2025, when a twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft crashed into a muddy field near Copake, New York. The aircraft was en route to Columbia County Airport in Hudson when it went down around 12:15 p.m. local time. Authorities have confirmed that all six individuals on board are presumed dead, according to reporting by the Associated Press.
The crash site, located approximately 50 miles south of Albany and near the Massachusetts state line, has presented significant challenges for emergency responders. Columbia County Undersheriff Jacqueline Salvatore noted that the field’s muddy conditions have made accessibility difficult, complicating both rescue and investigative efforts, as reported by The U.S. Sun.
Watch CBS New York’s full report on the crash and investigation.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched a formal investigation into the incident. Officials have not yet determined a cause of the crash, and the names of the victims have not been publicly released pending notification of family members, as confirmed by People.
Flight tracking data shows the aircraft departed Westchester County Airport shortly after 11:30 a.m. and was expected to land at Columbia County Airport around 12:06 p.m. The flight’s path ended abruptly near Copake, suggesting a sudden and possibly catastrophic failure, according to CBS News.
Aircraft Details and Safety Record
The Mitsubishi MU-2B is a high-speed, twin-engine turboprop aircraft known for its compact design and strong performance. However, the model has faced scrutiny in the past over safety concerns, particularly regarding its unique flight characteristics and the level of pilot training required. The NTSB investigation will explore a broad range of possible causes, from mechanical failure to environmental factors, as outlined by Fox Weather.
Community Impact and Response
The crash has deeply shaken the community in Columbia County and beyond. Residents expressed their shock at the tragedy, and local authorities are working closely with federal agencies to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and secure the site. A joint media briefing is expected Sunday afternoon, providing additional updates and clarifications, per People.
Officials are urging the public to avoid the area to allow emergency responders and investigators full access. A preliminary report from the NTSB is expected in the coming weeks, offering the first formal insights into the cause of this devastating crash.
