A private plane crash in Vermont has claimed the lives of four individuals who had flown from Connecticut for a brunch outing. The victims included a high school teacher, his student, her mother, and an elderly pilot. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by federal authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Four people died in a private plane crash in Vermont.
- The victims were from Connecticut and included a high school teacher, his student, her mother, and an elderly pilot.
- The crash occurred after the group had brunch in Vermont and were returning to Connecticut.
- Federal authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.
Victims Identified
The victims of the crash have been identified as Paul Pelletier, 55, Frank Rodriguez, 88, Susan Van Ness, 51, and her daughter Delilah Van Ness, 15. All were residents of Connecticut. Paul Pelletier was a licensed pilot and an aerospace and manufacturing teacher at Middletown High School, where Delilah was his student. Susan Van Ness was the Chief of Programs at the National Diaper Bank Network.
Flight Details
The single-engine Piper aircraft departed from Windham Airport in Connecticut at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Sunday. The plane landed in Vermont two hours later for a brunch reservation at an upscale eatery in Basin Harbor. The group was expected to return to Connecticut the same day.
Discovery of the Crash
When the plane did not return as scheduled, family members reported the group missing. Authorities used cellphone location data to determine the plane’s last known location near Basin Harbor Airport. The wreckage was discovered in a wooded area east of the airport early Monday morning with the help of a drone.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation into the crash. Preliminary reports indicate that there were no distress signals from the aircraft before the crash. The bodies have been taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Burlington for autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death.
Community Impact
The Middletown Public Schools community is mourning the loss of Paul Pelletier, Delilah Van Ness, and Susan Van Ness. In a statement, school officials expressed their grief and highlighted the contributions of the victims to the community. Paul Pelletier was noted for his dedication to teaching aerospace and manufacturing, while Delilah was recognized for her academic achievements and interest in aviation.
Background of the Victims
Paul Pelletier was a seasoned pilot who often flew single-engine aircraft and taught young aspiring pilots how to fly drones. Delilah Van Ness was a high school student interested in robotics, aviation, cello, and art. She had been recognized by the Connecticut Science Center for her innovative work. Susan Van Ness was dedicated to her role at the National Diaper Bank Network, a non-profit organization focused on providing diapers to needy children. Frank Rodriguez, a former pilot, was once part of the Super Saber Society, a group of volunteer pilots who flew low-elevation missions in enemy territory.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and it remains unclear who was piloting the aircraft at the time of the crash. Federal authorities are expected to release more information as the investigation progresses.
Sources
- Four killed in private plane crash after flying from Connecticut to Vermont for brunch | Daily Mail Online, Daily Mail.
- Recent South Hamilton graduate was a victim in Indiana plane crash | News, Sports, Jobs – The Freeman Journal, freemanjournal.net.
- 4 killed in small plane crash in Vermont | fox61.com, fox61.com.