Families Of Plane Crash Victims Ask Public For Help

AMAGANSETT, NY— The devastated families of the four lost on a tragic plane crash off the coast of Amagansett have turned to social media to ask for the public's help.

The families of the Krupinski, Bistrian, Maerov and Dollard families have asked the public to assist in the search for answers.

"If you are boating or beach walking, and find anything you believe may assist the investigation into the plane crash on the ocean at Indian Wells Beach, please contact your local police department, East Hampton Town Police at 631-537-7575, or Southampton Town Police at 631-728-3400," the families said in a statement.

After an exhaustive search last week, the wreckage of the Piper PA31 Navajo that crashed off the coast of Amagansett on was located on Thursday afternoon approximately one mile off Atlantic Avenue Beach — and one additional body was found amongst the debris Friday afternoon, East Hampton Town Police Chief Michael Sarlo said.

The remains of one of those lost are still missing.

As of Thursday afternoon, the Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office positively identified the first two victims recovered last Saturday as Bernard and Bonnie Krupinski, both 70, of East Hampton; their bodies were subsequently released to the family, police said.

Onboard with the Krupinskis were the couple's grandson William Maerov, 22, of East Hampton, and pilot Jon Dollard, 47, of Hampton Bays, police said.

After an exhaustive search over the past week, the wreckage of the Piper PA31 Navajo that crashed off the coast of Amagansett on June 2 was located on Thursday afternoon approximately one mile off Atlantic Avenue Beach — and one additional body was found amongst the debris Friday afternoon, East Hampton Town Police Chief Michael Sarlo said.

A funeral service for the Krupinskis and their grandson took place Friday morning in East Hampton.

On the East End, heartbroken mourners continue to pay tribute to beloved lives lost: A four-plane wreath drop flyover "in honor of Ben, Bonnie, Will and Jon, lost on June 2, 2108," was organized by the East Hampton Aviation Association.

Police divers scoured the wreckage; the body found Friday was brought to United States Coast Guard Station Montauk to be transferred to the Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office, police said.

The identity of the victim is being withheld pending investigation by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner's office.

Police divers are continuing their fierce efforts to locate the remaining victim, police said.

The plane lies in approximately 40 to 45 feet of water, and visibility is approximately three to five feet, police said. Sea Tow will remain on scene and continue to aid in the salvage of the plane wreckage.

(Photo by Robert Liebowitz)

On Thursday, Sarlo said the search for the plane that crashed off the coast of Amagansett had a total of five vessels out searching. "East Hampton Town Police Department divers and Sea Tow commercial divers are prepared," Sarlo said. "We feel we have narrowed down the search area, and given the conditions today, are hopeful that we will locate the plane."

The United States Coast Guard, he said, will continue to provide safety and support the police department's efforts.

The Coast Guard suspended its sea search for two still missing on the Sunday after the crash until conditions improved, police said.

The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for the Piper Navajo and its two remaining occupants due to rapidly deteriorating sea conditions; land based searches by law enforcement were slated to continue until sea conditions improved and the safe deployment of East Hampton Town marine patrol vessels was possible, police said.

The private plane failed to land as expected and the debris field was found a short time later, police said.

The cause of the crash is being investigated with the assistance of the Federal Aviation Administration; severe weather including thunderstorms was reported at the time of the crash.

Famed "builder to the stars" Ben Krupinski and his wife, as well as his grandson and Dollard have been mourned by countless on the East End.

"We are stricken by this loss," said Capt. Kevin B. Reed, commander Sector Long Island Sound. "Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and loved ones of the two recovered individuals."

According to Lt. Alaina Fagan, public affairs officer for Coast Guard sector Long Island Sound, there were "four souls onboard" the Piper PA 31 Navajo aircraft.

The Federal Aviation Administration lost contact with the aircraft at 2:33 p.m.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound received a call at approximately 2:50 p.m. reporting the Piper PA 31 Navajo had crashed about a mile off of Indian Wells Beach. The USCG reported a debris field, one mile off the beach in Amagansett, she said.

Patch courtesy photo of rescue scene.

Patch courtesy photo of Krupinski family by Richard Lewin.