On Saturday, April 12, 2025, at approximately 12:06 p.m., a Mitsubishi MU-2B-40 Solitaire aircraft, bearing Federal Aviation Administration Number N635TA, crashed in upstate New York 10 miles from the Columbia Airport. The crash tragically killed all six occupants. The aircraft was traveling to upstate New York for a family gathering as well as to celebrate the Passover Holiday. On board were physicians, who were spouses, with the husband as the pilot. Also on board were two adult children of the couple, as well as their partners. A third child of the physician-couple was not on board. The aircraft was owned by Dynamic Spine Solutions LLC, a limited liability company registered in Massachusetts.
The pilot had attempted to land at the Columbia County Airport when he contacted Air Traffic Control and advised that he executed a missed approach to the airport. Instead of following published missed approach procedures the pilot requested vectors for another approach to landing. During the second approach, the air traffic controller who was in communication with the aircraft received a “LA” or Low Altitude Alert on the radar display that he was using. He attempted to contact the aircraft on several occasions but he did not receive a response nor was there a distress call from the aircraft prior to the crash.
The National Transportation Safety Board (“NTSB”) launched a “Go Team” to the crash site and it is the lead federal agency investigating the crash. The NTSB assigned various entities to assist in its investigation, including, Mitsubishi (the manufacturer of the aircraft); Honeywell (the engine manufacturer); the Federal Aviation Administration; and NATCA (the union representing air traffic controllers).
Although manufactured in 1985, the aircraft was purchased approximately one year ago, and it was equipped with an advanced and upgraded avionics package. The aircraft was also equipped with advanced cockpit technology, including a memory card that the NTSB will analyze which will hopefully provide additional information concerning the crash.
With respect to its preliminary investigation, the NTSB confirmed that shortly before the crash, the aircraft was operating under Instrument Flight Rules (“IFR”), that the weather conditions were deteriorating, and snow was visible on the ground. The NTSB also advised that it is in possession of a video that shows the impact of the aircraft with the ground, that the crash occurred at a high rate of descent, and that it appeared that the aircraft had not suffered a structural failure prior to the crash. Weather, including if ice had accumulated on the aircraft structure, will be a part of the NTSB’s accident investigation.
The Mitsubishi MU-2B-40 model aircraft is a high wing high-powered twin turbo engine aircraft and it has had a significant safety history. Given the challenging nature of piloting the aircraft, the FAA requires that pilots receive specific training particular to this model aircraft, including annual recurrent training on special emphasis items. In a press conference the NTSB advised that the pilot had undergone the additional required training. While it is far too early to speculate, the model of the accident aircraft is susceptible to icing – specifically tail icing – which could result in a loss of control. When ice accretes on an aircraft’s airframe this could result in the disruption of airflow over the tail and wings which could cause a loss of control.
The NTSB advised that it hopes to release its Preliminary Report within thirty days of the crash. Speiser Krause will provide additional details as more information is released.