The pilot of a small plane died after a crash in Colonie on Monday. Speaking near the scene on Maxwell Road, Albany International Airport communications director Steve Smith said the private Piper Navajo arrived at the nearby airport Sunday afternoon before departing around 8 a.m. 15 Monday en route to Montreal.
“There was a pilot on board, a female pilot, and our hearts go out to her, to her family in the aviation community at this time,” Smith said. “From the airport’s perspective, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) have been notified and we will continue to work with our partners as the investigation continues.”
The NTSB is investigating. The name of the pilot has not been released. Authorities have not identified the cause of the accident.
Airport operations were not affected. A Latham resident who was walking her dog was struck by debris and treated at the scene by emergency medical services.
As a result of the accident, Maxwell Road was closed.
Colonie Police Department Deputy Chief Robert Winn said Monday morning there is no timetable for reopening the road.
“I expect it to be at least for the rest of the day, and then after we talk with the NTSB and the FAA, we’ll know more,” Winn said.
