New Jersey, A Cessna 414 has crashed into multiple homes. No fatalities have been confirmed yet. The crash happened a few hours ago in Colonia, NJ. The status of the pilot is still unknown, however, the mayor of Colonia has been quoted saying
“We don’t know,” said Mayor John McCormac at the scene. “Apparently he is still in the plane. Say a prayer for the pilot.”
The plane crashed directly into the ceiling of one home, setting it ablaze with aviation fuel. The fuel also ignited other homes in the area of the main crash. However, apart from the structural damage, no other injuries have been confirmed.
Responders have gotten a boost as rain has started to occur over the scene, and should douse the flames. It is currently unknown as to the status of the scene, apart from the report 3 hours ago.
An NTSB team has said to have been dispatched to investigate the scene.
As usual, more details will come as the story develops.
Edit: It has been confirmed that the pilot died upon impact. My heart goes out to their family.
Edit 2: A video has been taken from a Ring doorbell showing the crash. Investigators are using it in the investigation.
Edit 3: Two teams from the FAA and NTSB have been dispatched to investigate. Further details are unknown.
[Breaking] Edit 4: The pilot of the 414 has been identified as a prominent cardiologist heading toward New York City for a lecture. The name of the pilot has been identified as Dr. Michael Schloss by his wife. His age was 74. May he rest in peace.
According to The New York Times,
“This man was a true Renaissance man — a fine gentleman,” said the airport director, Paul Dudley. He added that Dr. Schloss, who was born in Brooklyn and lived in Virginia, regularly flew into Linden Airport, which is about 25 miles southwest of Midtown Manhattan.
Edit 5: The registration has been identified. The 414a has been identified at N595MJ. More details can be found here.
Images courtesy of the New York Times.
Also, this is not a small Gen Av crash on the local news. It made it to headlines.