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Two people were rescued after a small plane crashed into the Long Island Sound near Branford, Connecticut, on Sunday (June 1). The Piper PA-32 aircraft, carrying a 41-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl, went down about 10 minutes after taking off from Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford. The plane was headed for an unspecified destination when it experienced trouble and was redirected to Tweed New Haven Airport for an emergency landing.
The crash occurred around 10:30 a.m., and both occupants managed to escape with only minor injuries, including cuts and cold water exposure. The occupants sent a distress call before the plane sank. The U.S. Coast Guard, along with a good Samaritan, responded quickly, reaching the crash site within 15 minutes and rescuing the two individuals from the water. By the time rescue teams arrived, the plane was completely underwater.
Branford Fire Chief Thomas Mahoney stated, "The Coast Guard along with Branford Fire Department Marine 5 arrived on location, located the parties in the water, brought them safely aboard." The survivors were taken to Stony Creek Pier and then transported to Yale New Haven Hospital for further evaluation. Both are reported to be in stable condition.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the cause of the crash. Local authorities praised the swift response of federal, state, and local agencies in ensuring the safety of the occupants.