Local couple may have been on board plane that crashed on Martha's Vineyard
According to flight records obtained by News 12 Connecticut, the Piper Meridian took off from Westchester Airport on Saturday at about 2:13 p.m.
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The plane that crashed on Martha's Vineyard over the weekend is believed to be owned and operated by a couple from Norwalk.
According to flight records obtained by News 12 Connecticut, the Piper Meridian took off from Westchester Airport on Saturday at about 2:13 p.m.
An hour later, the plane belly-flop landed on Martha's Vineyard.
Massachusetts state police say the pilot had a medical emergency, and his passenger had to land the plane.
"It happens more than we'd like it to you know there are medical emergencies that happen all the time," said Danbury Airport manager Mike Safranek.
Safranek monitors flights in and out of Danbury Airport.
He believes the female passenger on that Martha's Vineyard flight must have had some training.
"It's exceptional that she was able to take the controls, keep her calm, keep her cool and actually land the plane," said Safranek.
Flight records say the plane is registered to Access Yacht Sales in Norwalk. After further digging, the owners are believed to be 79-year-old Randolph Bonnist and 68-year-old Robin Bonnist.
Those names have not been confirmed by police. Massachusetts state police will only say the two are from Connecticut.
Police say the pilot was flown to a Boston hospital with a life-threatening condition.
They say the passenger was not hurt.
"But to be able to say keep your composure I've got to take this plane over I've got to land it for the both of us to walk away from here is exceptional," said Safranek.
Massachusetts state police and the FAA are investigating the crash.
