April 15, 2025, | By The Safe Fly Aviation Team

On April 12, 2025, a devastating aviation accident shook the small town of Copake, New York, when a Mitsubishi MU-2B-40 Solitaire crashed, claiming the lives of all six passengers on board. This tragic event has left the aviation community and the public searching for answers about what went wrong. At Safe Fly Aviation, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the incident, including details about the aircraft (Mitsubishi MU-2B), the passengers, the suspected causes, and the ongoing investigation, to keep you informed and promote aviation safety.

The Incident: What Happened?

The Mitsubishi MU-2B, a twin-engine turboprop registered as N635TA, crashed around 12:15 p.m. local time in a muddy agricultural field near Two Town Road, approximately 10 miles south of its intended destination, Columbia County Airport in Hudson, New York. The aircraft was en route from Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York, after an earlier flight from Norwood Memorial Airport in Massachusetts.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the pilot had radioed air traffic control to report a missed approach at Columbia County Airport and requested a new approach plan. Air traffic controllers attempted to warn the pilot three times about the aircraft’s dangerously low altitude, but there was no response, and no distress call was recorded. Video footage reviewed by investigators showed the plane was intact but descending rapidly at a steep angle before impacting the ground at high speed. The wreckage was described as “compressed, buckled, and embedded” in the terrain, indicating the severity of the crash.

The Aircraft: Mitsubishi MU-2B-40 Solitaire

The Mitsubishi MU-2B is a high-performance, twin-engine turboprop aircraft known for its versatility and pressurized cabin, which allows it to fly at higher altitudes than many other general aviation planes. First introduced in the 1960s, the MU-2B series has been used for business travel, cargo transport, and even military applications. The specific model involved, the MU-2B-40 Solitaire, is an updated variant with improved range and performance.

Key specifications of the Mitsubishi MU-2B-40 Solitaire include:

  • Engines: Two Garrett TPE331 turboprop engines, delivering high power for their size.

  • Seating Capacity: Typically configured for 6–9 passengers, depending on the setup.

  • Cruising Speed: Approximately 300 knots (345 mph).

  • Range: Around 1,450 nautical miles.

  • Notable Features: Advanced avionics (especially in modernized units) and a reputation for speed and efficiency.

The aircraft involved in the crash had recently been retrofitted with an upgraded cockpit certified to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards, suggesting it was equipped with modern navigation and communication systems. However, the MU-2B has a history of incidents tied to its demanding flight characteristics, which require specialized pilot training to handle safely, particularly in challenging conditions.

 

The Passengers: A Family of Accomplished Individuals

The six individuals on board were members of a close-knit family, celebrated for their professional and personal achievements. They were travelling to the Catskills to celebrate a birthday and observe the Passover holiday. The passengers included:

  • Dr. Michael Groff, a neuroscientist and the pilot of the aircraft. He was described as experienced, though specific details about his flight hours are still under review.

  • Dr. Joy Saini, an Indian-origin urogynecologist and pelvic health specialist from Punjab, is renowned for her contributions to medicine.

  • Karenna Groff, their daughter, a former MIT soccer player and the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year, was recognized for her academic and athletic excellence.

  • Jared Groff, their son, is another accomplished member of the family.

  • James Santoro, Karenna’s boyfriend and a recent MIT graduate.

  • Alexia Couyutas Duarte, Jared’s partner.

This family of physicians and distinguished student-athletes was described as being on the cusp of new chapters in their lives, making their loss even more profound. Their story has resonated deeply, with tributes pouring in from institutions like MIT and Swarthmore College, where some of the victims studied.

Suspected Causes: What Investigators Are Exploring

While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, several factors are being examined by the NTSB and FAA:

  1. Weather Conditions: Overcast skies were reported at the time of the crash, potentially reducing the pilot’s visibility. The aircraft was operating under instrument flight rules (IFR), relying on instruments rather than visual cues, which is standard in poor weather. Investigators are analyzing whether weather played a role in the missed approach or loss of control.

  2. Pilot Error or Disorientation: The MU-2B’s high-performance design requires precise handling, and its history includes crashes linked to inadequate pilot training or spatial disorientation in low-visibility conditions. The pilot’s lack of response to low-altitude warnings raises questions about possible distractions, incapacitation, or confusion during the approach.

  3. Mechanical or System Failure: Although initial inspections found no obvious issues with the aircraft, investigators are scrutinizing flight data, maintenance records, and recovered avionics equipment, including memory cards sent to Washington, D.C., for analysis. The upgraded cockpit should have provided reliable systems, but subtle malfunctions cannot yet be ruled out.

  4. Icing Risks: The MU-2B has been associated with icing-related incidents in the past, particularly in colder climates like upstate New York in April. Ice buildup on wings or control surfaces can affect lift and stability, though no specific evidence of icing has been confirmed in this case.

  5. Air Traffic Control Communication: The failure to respond to multiple warnings from controllers suggests a possible breakdown in communication or situational awareness, which is a key focus of the investigation.

The NTSB expects to release a preliminary report within 30 days, but a full investigation could take 1–2 years to pinpoint the cause. The complexity of the crash, combined with the aircraft’s near-total disintegration, makes this a challenging case.

The Investigation: What’s Next?

The NTSB is leading the investigation, with support from the FAA and local authorities. Current efforts include:

  • Wreckage Recovery: The muddy field has complicated access to the crash site, but investigators have retrieved critical components, including damaged avionics and memory cards.

  • Data Analysis: Flight data, weather patterns, and video footage are being studied to reconstruct the plane’s final moments.

  • Witness Accounts: Residents and airport personnel are being interviewed to gather additional context.

  • Aircraft History: The MU-2B’s maintenance records and the pilot’s training and certification are under review.

The investigation’s findings will likely influence future safety recommendations, particularly for operators of high-performance aircraft like the MU-2B.

The MU-2B’s Safety Record: A Mixed Legacy

The Mitsubishi MU-2B has long been a polarizing aircraft in aviation circles. Its speed and range make it a favourite for business and regional travel, but its high-performance nature demands skilled piloting. Over the decades, the MU-2B has been involved in several crashes, some attributed to:

  • Pilot Training Gaps: The FAA has mandated specialized training for MU-2B pilots since 2008 to address handling challenges.

  • Icing Susceptibility: Older models were less equipped to handle ice buildup, though modernized units have improved systems.

  • High Workload in Emergencies: The aircraft’s complex systems can overwhelm pilots in high-stress situations.

Despite these concerns, many operators praise the MU-2B for its reliability when flown by well-trained crews. The Copake crash has reignited discussions about whether additional safety measures or training requirements are needed.

Why This Matters for Aviation Safety

At Safe Fly Aviation, we believe every accident is an opportunity to learn and improve. The Copake crash underscores the importance of:

  • Robust Pilot Training: Ensuring pilots are prepared for the unique demands of aircraft like the MU-2B.

  • Weather Awareness: Equipping planes and crews to handle adverse conditions effectively.

  • Maintenance Standards: Regular inspections and upgrades to keep aircraft systems reliable.

  • Effective Communication: Strengthening coordination between pilots and air traffic control to prevent missteps.

We encourage our readers to stay informed about aviation safety and advocate for practices that protect everyone in the skies.

Community Response and Tributes

The loss of such accomplished individuals has left a void in their communities. MIT, Swarthmore College, and medical institutions where the Groff-Saini family worked have issued statements of condolence, highlighting the victims’ contributions to science, sports, and society. Social media posts reflect widespread grief, with many calling for answers to prevent future tragedies

Stay Updated with Safe Fly Aviation

The investigation into the Mitsubishi MU-2B crash is ongoing, and Safe Fly Aviation will continue to monitor developments. We are committed to providing accurate, up-to-date information to help our readers understand this tragedy and its implications for aviation safety.

For more insights on aircraft safety, pilot training, and industry news, explore our blog or contact our team. Together, we can work toward a safer future in the skies. www.safefly.aero

Sources: National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration, Associated Press, CBS News, Aviation International News

MU-2B Solitaire pilot training, aircraft maintenance, weather-related crashes

Sample image from Wikipedia.