@mferr1971/Twitter(EAST HARTFORD, Conn.) — The initial investigation of a small-plane crash in East Hartford, Connecticut, that killed one of two people on board “indicates the crash is the result of an intentional act,” the National Transportation Safety Board said Wednesday.
The NTSB, which was the lead agency on the investigation, said Wednesday afternoon it is in the process of transferring the lead to the FBI but stands ready to support the investigation if requested. The federal government agency had said earlier Wednesday, “If there is reason for us to believe that a criminal event has occurred, then we will take formal steps to transfer the investigation to the FBI.”
The crash happened Tuesday afternoon when two men, a student pilot and an instructor, were on the final approach to land the Piper PA-34 Seneca at Hartford-Brainard Airport. The plane hit a utility pole, crashed on the road and set on fire, police said.
The student pilot is presumed dead.
The survivor, flight instructor Arian Prevalla, is in critical condition at Bridgeport Hospital, the hospital said. Lt. Josh Litwin of East Hartford Police said Wednesday morning the survivor is being treated for burns and is expected to survive.
Litwin added this morning they do not know if the student pilot or instructor had control of the plane at the time of the crash.
The survivor has been able to provide some details, Litwin said.
Prevalla is a flight instructor at the Hartford Jet Center, according to records and law enforcement.
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