Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Apr 13: In a deeply unsettling sequence of events, the United States has witnessed three separate aircraft crashes within a span of just 72 hours—two in New York and one in Florida—leaving multiple fatalities and prompting fresh concerns over aviation safety nationwide.
The most recent tragedy occurred on Saturday when a twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B, carrying two individuals, crashed into a muddy field near Copake, roughly 30 miles from its destination Columbia County Airport near Hudson, New York. According to the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, at least one person has been confirmed dead. Harsh weather, thick mud, and snow have significantly hampered access to the crash site, said the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A team from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is en route to investigate.
Just a day earlier, on Friday morning, a Cessna 310 went down shortly after takeoff from Boca Raton airport in South Florida. All three people onboard were killed, and a bystander on the ground sustained injuries and was hospitalized. The aircraft was en route to Tallahassee when it crashed around 10:20 a.m. The crash forced the closure of major roads, including sections of Interstate 95 and Military Trail, as authorities began their probe into the fatal incident.
The most devastating of the three crashes took place on Thursday, when a tourist helicopter carrying six people—including five members of a Spanish tourist family plunged into New York City’s Hudson River. Operated by New York Helicopter Tours, the Bell 206 chopper had taken off around 3 pm and crashed minutes later near Lower Manhattan. The helicopter flipped and submerged within moments. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that while two victims initially survived, they later succumbed to their injuries. The NTSB has launched a full investigation into the crash.
These back-to-back accidents have ignited widespread alarm among aviation experts and the public alike. Authorities are now working diligently to determine whether mechanical failure, adverse weather, human error, or other factors contributed to the incidents.
As the nation mourns the loss of lives, renewed scrutiny is being placed on both commercial and private aviation operations, with calls growing louder for enhanced oversight and safety measures.