Small Plane Crashes With 4 Aboard In Hudson Valley: UPDATE

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — A small plane crashed Friday afternoon in Dutchess County near the Hudson Valley Regional Airport. Authorities said there were four people on board.

Authorities said the crash occurred in a densely wooded area near the intersection of Maloney and Smith Crossing roads.

The three passengers were taken to Vassar Brothers Medical Center MidHudson Regional Hospital, and the pilot was transported to Westchester Medical Center, according to information from Dutchess County.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro issued a statement about the plane crash.

“We have been notified of a plane down east of the Hudson Valley Regional Airport with reported four passengers on board. The Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response is on the scene assisting New Hackensack Fire Department. Our office is on scene and monitoring the situation to provide necessary assistance. The Department of Emergency Response will provide updates as soon as they are available,” his statement said.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the plane — a Piper PA46 — was on final approach to the airport's Runway 24 when it crashed less than 1 mile away, Spectrum News reported.

The FAA said it was in contact regarding the conditions of the passengers with local officials.

The thick vegetation surrounding the crash site required the use of all-terrain vehicles to locate the aircraft and begin the process of removing the passengers to awaiting ambulances. The heat presented challenging conditions for first responders, according to county officials.