Small Plane Crashes Into Vermont Mountain – All Three Survive!
Early Morning Crash on Equinox Mountain
A small Piper PA-28 plane carrying three people smashed into the 3,000-foot summit of Equinox Mountain in southern Vermont just before dawn on Wednesday.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the crash happened at 3:50 a.m. But shockingly, the pilot didn’t alert authorities until 8:33 a.m., leaving a five-hour gap before emergency crews were called.
Miraculously, all three onboard survived with only non-life-threatening injuries. Jamie Greene, first assistant chief of the Manchester Fire Department, revealed that heavy snowfall cushioned the plane’s impact, helping reduce injuries. However, rescuers battled four feet of snow in freezing conditions to reach the wreckage.
Massive Rescue Mission Under Harsh Conditions
Once the pilot finally dialed 911, New York State Police, Vermont authorities, and local emergency teams sprang into action.
- By 10:16 a.m., rescuers located the crash site.
- A New York State Police helicopter airlifted all three passengers to safety.
- They were taken first to Manchester Public Safety Facility, with one passenger moved to Albany Medical Center for further checks.
The extensive search involved Vermont and New York State Police, local fire and EMS squads, plus snowmobiles, ATVs, and foot patrols battling brutal winter terrain.
Official Inquiry Launched Amid Questions
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have opened an investigation into the crash. Officials want to know why the pilot waited so long before calling for help.
The Piper PA-28 is a four-seat, single-engine plane widely used for training and private flights.
Recent US Aviation Incidents Spark Safety Fears
This Vermont crash follows a worrying streak of aviation accidents and near-misses across the States:
- January 29: American Airlines plane collided with a Black Hawk helicopter near Washington D.C., killing 67, including world champion figure skaters.
- February 20: Two small planes crashed mid-air in Arizona, killing two.
- February 25: Southwest Boeing 737 narrowly avoided collision at Chicago Midway Airport.
The NTSB is expected to release further details on the Vermont incident in the coming days.
