An investigation is ongoing by the FAA and NTSB to identify the cause of a plane crash near Ingalls Airport in Virginia, where four adults and a child lost their lives, as announced by the Virginia State Police on Sunday.
Twin-Engine Private Jet Crashes Near Virginia Airport
The twin-engine IAI Astra 1125, described as a private jet, crashed into the woods in the 6200 block of Airport Rd. in Bath County around 3 p.m. local time and ignited upon impact.
The Bath County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call at 2:58 p.m. reporting a crash at Ingalls Field Airport in Hot Springs, Virginia. The call prompted the dispatch of the Sheriff's Department, Virginia State Police, and Hot Springs Fire and Rescue to the incident.
The Virginia State Police spokesperson, Corinne Geller, declared in a news release, "At this time, it appears there were four adults and one juvenile onboard the aircraft. All five, which includes the pilot, died at the scene."
The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration have stated their intention to investigate the scene.
Identifying the plane as a "small, private jet," state police affirm their teamwork with the FAA and NTSB to verify the flight path and single out the occupants. Corinne Geller added, "The crash investigation remains ongoing at this time."
Located near the boundary of Virginia and West Virginia, Hot Springs is almost 160 miles northwest of Richmond.
New data from the Virginia State Police announce that five people died in the plane crash at Ingalls Field Airport in Bath County. The identities of the casualty, including a small kid aged between five and seven, remain unknown. Authorities suspect the other casualties include a first officer, a pilot, and three additional passengers, with no survivors reported.
Authorities Investigate Factors That Caused the Twin-Engine Plane Crash
According to VSP, the plane fell short of the runway, passed through several trees, and ultimately collided with the hillside. It is yet to be confirmed whether the wind situation played a role in the scene.
An investigation is underway to identify the cause of the plane's approach to the airport runway and the nature of the emergency. The plane had reportedly communicated with the Washington Center before the scene unfolded.
Law enforcement has closed the airport and is conducting a thorough investigation at the scene.
In a separate report, Chairman of the Bath County Airport Authority, Jeff Ford, confirmed four casualties in the plane crash, stating that a twin jet made an emergency landing. The specific nature of the emergency is unknown, and authorities clarify that the jet did not belong to the airport.
Emergency management crews are recently on-site, and further updates will be given as the situation advances. Additionally, the Virginia State Police reported a plane crash at Ingalls Field Airport in Bath County around 3:00 p.m., with officers en route to the scene.
Ingalls Field Airport officials are assessing the situation. The Virginia Department of Transportation has closed all north and south lanes on Rt. 703 near the airport.
