A fatal plane crash in East Hartford, Connecticut that killed a student pilot and injured the instructor has been deemed a result of an intentional act. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, it now appears the plane crash on Tuesday afternoon was caused by the student pilot after an argument with the instructor.
An East Hartford police officer told investigators he believed the crash was an intentional act but officials have yet to determine the motive. A twin-engine Piper PA 34 crashed during a training flight around 3:30 p.m. near the military jet-engine maker Pratt & Whitney. Authorities say the twin-engine Piper was approaching Brainard Airport to land when it crashed on Main Street and burst into flames and took down power lines.
Suspicions the crash was a case of suicide and not terrorism began to circulate between officials who say the student pilot was arguing with his instructor. The flight instructor and owner of American Flight Academy in Hartford survived the fiery crash and is cooperating with police. Authorities say the man was injured and taken to Yale-New Haven Bridgeport Hospital's burn unit.
Pratt & Whitney stated on Tuesday that the crash did not appear to involve any of its employees. A woman and her three children witnessed the plane crash and were taken to the hospital as a precaution. Police say the plane narrowly missed others when it crashed. The student pilot died at the scene. The investigation continues as police determine exactly what caused the crash.
The personal injury attorneys at Meyerkord & Kurth, LLC, have help people recover financial compensation after a wide variety of preventable accidents caused by the negligent or willful misconduct of others. Contact our St. Louis law office now where an attorney is standing by for your call.