In a heartbreaking incident that occurred on Sunday morning, a Beechcraft Baron 55 airplane owned by Fly Lugu Flight School tragically crashed in a small clearing near the Leyden Wildlife Management Area in Leyden, Massachusetts. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since released a preliminary report on the incident.

The victims of the fatal crash have been identified as Fredrika Ballard, a 53-year-old resident of Southwick and the owner of Fly Lugu Flight School, William Hampton, a 68-year-old flight instructor from Indian Orchard, and Chad Davidson, a 29-year-old student pilot from Woodstock, Connecticut. Their lives were abruptly cut short in this devastating accident.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The preliminary report states that the crash has been declared accidental, but the exact circumstances leading to the tragedy remain unknown. The investigation is currently ongoing as authorities work tirelessly to uncover the truth behind this unfortunate event.

According to available information, the ill-fated plane departed Barnes Airport in Westfield at approximately 11:06 a.m. on Sunday. FlightAware data reveals that the aircraft was in flight for around 19 minutes, heading north and reaching a maximum altitude of 4,475 feet at 11:25 a.m. Sadly, shortly thereafter, at around 11:30 a.m., local authorities received a distressing 911 call reporting the plane crash. It was discovered by concerned dog walkers, who stumbled upon the wreckage in the dense woods near the Leyden Wildlife Management Area around 12:30 p.m.

As the investigation into the Leyden plane crash continues, our hearts go out to the families and friends of Fredrika Ballard, William Hampton, and Chad Davidson. This devastating incident serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with aviation, leaving the community mourning the loss of three individuals who were passionate about flying.

Authorities are determined to uncover any underlying factors that contributed to this tragedy, as they work towards preventing similar accidents in the future. For now, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and uncovering the truth behind the untimely deaths of these aviation enthusiasts.