NEWPORT — A Holland woman was tragically killed in a single-engine plane crash over Long Island on Tuesday.
Authorities say Dana E. Parenteau, 49, was a passenger in an aircraft that crashed on Cold Spring Road in Syosset, New York, at about 3:39 p.m. on Tuesday. The seven-passenger plane had three onboard. All three were killed.
The other victims have been identified as pilot David C. Berube, 66, and Benjamin Bridges, 32, both from Bristol, Connecticut.
The flight originated from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and was headed to Robertson Field in Plainville, Connecticut.
The plane, a 43-year-old Beech BE35 aircraft, suffered an in-flight breakup at approximately 7,000 feet, showering debris over a two-mile residential area, authorities said.
Berube reported to air traffic control that he was having difficulty maintaining the aircraft and that his instrumentations were malfunctioning.
Witnesses say they heard a loud boom and then saw pieces of debris falling from the sky.
Following the crash, police ordered all remaining students at three schools in the area to be held inside for safety reasons, and residents were told by the authorities to stay close to their homes.
Authorities say one body was found in the parking lot of one of the schools, another near a wooded area, and the third in Oyster Bay Cove.
The F.A.A. said that they are investigating the incident, and the National Transportation Safety Board will determine the probable cause of the accident.
Parenteau was an employee of Dr. Paul Julien in Newport.
Such a tragedy.Our prayers go out the families . May the good Lord give you strength at this time.
My heart breaks…. how tragic
My condolences to shelby, kaity and all of the families suffering during this tragedy.. Many hearts ache with yours .. Much love from the, Lacroix family
Sad and tragic. Condolences to the family and friends.
Our thoughts n prayers go out to the family Dana will always be remembered and never foe gotten. R.I.P. Dana