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A tragic plane crash in Copake claimed the lives of six people on Saturday (April 12). The victims included Dr. Michael Groff, Dr. Joy Saini, their children, and their children's partners. The family was traveling to Columbia County for a birthday and Passover celebration when their Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft went down around 12:15 p.m.
The plane crashed in an open field near Two Town Road, approximately 10 miles from Columbia County Airport, without damaging any structures. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the pilot missed an approach and requested vectors for another attempt. However, air traffic control's warnings about low altitude went unanswered. The NTSB has not yet disclosed who was piloting the aircraft.
Dr. Michael Groff was a respected neurosurgeon and executive medical director at Rochester Regional Health. Dr. Joy Saini was a urogynecologist and founder of Boston Pelvic Health and Wellness. Their daughter, Karenna Groff, was an MIT graduate and NCAA Woman of the Year in 2022. Her partner, James Santoro, was planning to propose to her. The Groffs' son, Jared, and his partner, Alexia Couyutas Duarte, also perished in the crash.
The NTSB is investigating the cause of the crash, with weather conditions and aircraft integrity among the factors being examined. The agency has obtained video footage showing the plane intact before crashing at a high rate of descent. The investigation is expected to continue for at least a week, with a preliminary report due within 30 days.
Anyone with video evidence of the crash is urged to contact the NTSB. The full investigation may take up to two years to complete.