A single-engine Cessna 208B, used for skydiving, crashed near Lake Road in Youngstown, New York, resulting in one fatality, CNN reported. The crash occurred shortly before 1 pm on Saturday, prompting an investigation by New York officials.
According to the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, the plane operated by Skydive the Falls had released all divers and was returning to land when it crashed. FAA spokesperson Tammy L. Jones confirmed the sole occupant pilot was conducting parachute operations before the crash.
However, Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti stated that the number of divers onboard before the crash remains unknown. A brush fire erupted around the crash site, which responding crews had to extinguish.
Sheriff Filicetti called the incident “an unfortunate event” and noted that local and federal law enforcement are working to determine the cause. “We aim to preserve life in emergencies, but sadly, we couldn’t in this case,” he remarked.
Peter Knudson, a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) spokesperson, mentioned that an investigator would document the wreckage on-site and move it to a secure facility for further evaluation. CNN reported that the investigation will focus on three main areas: the pilot, the aircraft, and the operating environment.
