Three NJ residents, including 2-year-old, killed in upstate New York plane crash
Authorities say the small plane crashed shortly after takeoff near Adirondack Regional Airport, and the NTSB is investigating.
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A Toms River pilot, a Forked River woman and a 2-year-old girl were killed when a small plane crashed shortly after takeoff near Adirondack Regional Airport in upstate New York, authorities said.
The New York State Police identified the victims as pilot Gabriele P. Jasper, 70, of Toms River; Gabriella M. Hillgrube, 33, of Forked River; and Guiliana M. Hillgrube, 2, of Forked River. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.
State police said they were notified of a downed aircraft at about 11:15 p.m. Monday in the area of Hearf's Way and State Route 186 in the town of Harrietstown.
A preliminary investigation found that the 1976 Piper Aerostar departed Adirondack Regional Airport at about 10:36 p.m. Shortly after takeoff, when the aircraft was estimated to be about 100 feet above the ground, communication with the plane was lost.
A multi-agency search located the aircraft, which had been destroyed by the impact and a post-crash fire.
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration and the New York State Police.
Jasper was a physician and the founder of the Jasper Spine Institute in Brick.
Officials have not confirmed their relationship, but multiple reports indicate Jasper was the father and grandfather of the other victims, who were mother and daughter.
