Long Island Small Plane Crash Kills Two
A small plane crashed into a Long Island residential neighborhood early this week, killing two and injuring one. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the accident and their findings could reportedly take up to one year.
According to MyFoxNY.com, the accident happened about one mile north of the Brookhaven Airport. When the plane went down, the wreckage caught fire.
Although officials aren’t sure who was piloting, 53-year old David J. McElroy died at the scene, 60-year old Jane Unhjem later diet at Stony Brook University Medical Center. Her husband, 61-year old Erik Unhjem is listed in critical condition and is said to be “fighting for his life.”
Officials believe the pilot pulled the nose of the plane up just before it was to hit a house, then fell to the street. Witnesses said it was obvious the plane was in trouble as it came overhead.
“It actually descended below the height of his one story house,” said Brian Raynor of the NTSB referring to one witness’ home in the neighborhood. “Prior to striking the house, the airplane pitched up and struck the tree.”
Small engine plane crashes are relatively rare. But, when they happen, they are often deadly or end in serious injury.
These planes are often used for recreation or by private pilots on personal travel. There are laws dictating who can have a pilot’s license and how many hours of flight time they must experience before taking passengers up. Despite these protections, accidents still happen.
As in a car accident, when you are a passenger and the vehicle you are in is involved in an accident, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. As a passenger, you have no control over the actions of your driver, or any other driver, pilot, or boat captain. You are, quite literally, at the mercy of everyone else.
Fortunately, in this accident, no one on the ground was hurt. Because the plane missed homes and landed in the street before hitting a construction dumpster and crashing into trees, it seems that the pilot was aware enough to try and minimize the risks of injury to others in the neighborhood.
Still, the damage to those on board is irreversible.
If you’ve been involved in an accident and you were merely the passenger, along for the ride, you can feel doubly victimized. Fortunately, you have rights and options.
The New York personal injury attorneys at Omrani & Taub are available for a consultation on your case, to help determine if you might be eligible for compensation for your injuries.
