Two rescued after small plane crash into Long Island Sound

On June 1, 2025, a small plane crashed into Long Island Sound in the United States, specifically near Branford, Connecticut. The pilot of the Piper PA-32 declared an emergency during the flight shortly after taking off from Sikorsky Memorial Airport. Approximately 10 minutes into the flight, the aircraft lost communication with air traffic control and subsequently crashed in the waters south of Tweed New Haven Airport around 10:30 a.m. The U.S. Coast Guard promptly dispatched a rescue boat after being alerted by the airport's control tower. Rescue teams managed to locate and pull two people from the water about 30 minutes after the crash. Witnesses reported that the survivors were wearing life jackets when they were rescued and displayed stable vital signs despite experiencing symptoms of hypothermia. They received immediate medical attention upon reaching the shore and were later taken to a local hospital for further evaluation. Connecticut officials praised the quick response of the Coast Guard and noted the pilot’s skill in landing the plane in choppy waters rather than risking further accidents during an emergency landing attempt. It was reported that the water temperature at the time of the crash was approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and waves reached 3 to 6 feet, creating challenging conditions for rescue operations. The Federal Aviation Administration is currently conducting an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the emergency declaration and the crash itself. Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft was completely submerged when rescue teams arrived, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Local officials extended their gratitude to all responding agencies, believing that the outcomes could have been less favorable without their quick and coordinated efforts.