Massachusetts State Police investigate plane crash on Martha’s Vineyard

WEST TISBURY, Mass. (WLNE) — A small plane crashed near the Martha’s Vineyard Airport on Saturday afternoon.

Massachusetts State Police said the plane, a 2006 Piper Meridian traveling from Westchester, New York, crashed in a grassy area near the runway around 3:15 p.m.

Investigations showed that the pilot, a 79-year-old man from Connecticut, suffered a medical emergency while the plane approached the airport.

The plane’s passenger, a woman, also from Connecticut, took control of the plane and attempted to land it, which resulted in a hard landing that caused the aircraft’s left wing to break in half.

Police said both passengers were taken to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, with the pilot being flown to a Boston hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries. The woman was released after being evaluated.

Police said the aircraft was moved to a secure location at the airport and the incident is under investigation.