@mferr1971/Twitter(EAST HARTFORD, Conn.) — The FBI is helping investigate a small plane crash in East Hartford, Connecticut, that killed one of two on board, but declined to comment on media reports that the crash was intentional.
The New York Times reported that federal law enforcement officials told them the FBI is looking into whether the crash was intentional. The New York Times reported that the sole survivor of the crash told investigators the crash was not an accident.
The FBI’s office in New Haven told ABC News Wednesday morning it “will not speculate on anything at this point” and would not comment on media reports that the crash was intentional.
“It’s way too early in the investigation,” the FBI said.
The National Transportation Safety Board, the lead agency investigating, said, “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 East Hartford Police Department added that it cannot confirm any media reports.
The crash happened Tuesday afternoon when 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.
One person died, police said.
The survivor is being treated for burns and is expected to survive, the East Hartford Police Department said Wednesday morning.
Lt. Josh Litwin of East Hartford Police said Wednesday 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 details, Litwin said.
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