The pilot of a small plane is dead after a crash in Colonie Monday. Speaking near the scene on Maxwell Road, Albany International Airport Communications Director Steve Smith says the private Piper Navajo arrived at the nearby airport Sunday afternoon before departing around 8:15 a.m. Monday en route to Montreal.
“There was one pilot on board, a female pilot, and our thoughts are with her, her family in the aviation community at this time,” Smith said. “From the airport's perspective, the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration], the NTSB [National Transportation Safety Board] has been notified and we’re going to be continuing to work with our partners as the investigation is ongoing.”
The NTSB is investigating. The pilot’s name has not been released. Authorities did not identify the cause of the crash.
Airport operations were not affected. A Latham resident who was walking her dog was struck by debris and treated on-scene by EMS.
As a result of the crash, Maxwell Road was closed.
Colonie Police Department Deputy Chief Robert Winn said Monday morning there was no timeline for reopening the road.
“I would plan for it to be at least for the remainder of today, and then after we get into it with the NTSB and the FAA, we'll know more,” said Winn.
