Authorities have identified the three individuals who tragically lost their lives in a small plane crash on Sunday in western Massachusetts. The victims have been named as William Hampton, a 68-year-old resident of Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, Chad Davidson, a 29-year-old from Woodstock, Connecticut, and Frederika Ballard, a 53-year-old from Southwick, Massachusetts.

Frederika Ballard owned the Fly Lugu Flight School in Westfield, where the plane involved in the crash was registered. William Hampton worked as a flight instructor for the school, while Chad Davidson was a student pilot. State police have confirmed that all three occupants of the plane were killed in the incident.

According to the Massachusetts State Police, the Beechcraft 55 Baron Twin-Piston aircraft had taken off from Barnes Airport in Westfield at approximately 11:06 a.m. on Sunday. Shortly after, authorities were alerted by dog walkers regarding a small plane crash in the vicinity of Country Club Road in Greenfield.

Emergency responders swiftly reached the crash site, located in a clearing on the side of a wooded mountain on the Greenfield-Leyden town line. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched investigations into the crash. Both agencies have confirmed that they will analyze factors such as the pilot's experience, the aircraft's condition, and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident.

On Sunday, Greenfield police urged the public to avoid the area near Oak Hill Acres Road, where the crash occurred. State troopers provided security at the scene, and the joint investigation by federal, state, and local authorities resumed on Monday.

An NTSB investigator is expected to arrive at the crash site on Monday to document the scene and examine the wreckage. The NTSB investigation will encompass various aspects, including flight track data, air traffic control communications, aircraft maintenance records, weather conditions, the pilot's background, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage.

The NTSB has requested that anyone who witnessed the crash or possesses relevant information or surveillance video contact them at witness@ntsb.gov. However, they have emphasized that it is too early to speculate on the cause of the crash. A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the probable cause and any contributing factors, with a final report expected within the next 12-24 months.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with aviation and underscores the need for thorough investigations to enhance safety measures in the future. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and friends affected by this devastating plane crash.