A tragic crash involving a small plane near Copake, New York, has claimed the lives of all six people aboard.

The aircraft, a Mitsubishi MU2B40, went down in a field approximately 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Columbia County Airport on Saturday afternoon, authorities confirmed.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash, with spokesperson Todd Inman stating that the incident is classified as a “fatal crash.”

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While Inman did not specify the number of deaths, the New York Times, citing a family member, reported that all six occupants perished.

The victims were identified as pilot Michael Groff, a neurosurgeon, his wife Joy Saini, a surgeon, their two children, and the children’s partners.

According to the Times, the family was traveling to a 25th birthday party and a Passover celebration.

Inman described the plane’s descent, saying it was “intact as it came down” before the impact caused it to “compress, buckle, and embed into the terrain.”

Before the crash, Groff, an experienced pilot, had reported a missed approach to the airport and requested guidance for another landing attempt, Inman explained.

He added that visibility had worsened before the crash occurred.

The plane’s cockpit had been recently updated, and the aircraft was in good condition prior to the crash.

This incident follows a string of other aviation tragedies.

Just last week, a helicopter crash in the Hudson River resulted in six fatalities.

In January, 67 people were killed in a collision between a military helicopter and a passenger jet in Washington state.

A light aircraft crash in Florida on Friday also claimed three lives when the plane developed mechanical issues shortly after takeoff.

The NTSB continues its investigation into the cause of the crash near Copake.

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has raised the alarm over unapproved visits to the state, warning that his administration cannot guarantee the safety of any individual or group who enters the state without prior notice.

The warning was contained in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, under the heading: “Notice Regarding Unscheduled Visit to Benue State.”

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In the statement, Governor Alia stressed that he was not expecting any “August visitor” and disclosed that his schedule was currently occupied with “high-profile meetings with key state actors to discuss critical issues affecting our state.”

The governor advised that any person or group planning to visit Benue, especially those whose presence could spark political gatherings, should obtain official clearance before making such trips.

“For anyone considering a visit to Benue State without the Governor’s knowledge, it is imperative to reconsider such plans, as the safety and security of individuals in this regard cannot be guaranteed,” the statement warned.

Governor Alia also addressed those intending to visit Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in the state, stating that prior approval must be sought and obtained from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA).

The statement further urged both security operatives and members of the public to remain vigilant and uphold peace across the state.

The wave of deadly attacks in Plateau State has continued unabated, with at least 40 people confirmed dead following a fresh assault on Zike community in Kimakpa, Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area.

The attack, which took place in the early hours of Monday, left dozens of residents dead and several others with gunshot wounds. .According to local sources, gunmen stormed the community and opened fire indiscriminately on people fleeing for safety.

A community leader, Wakili Tongwe, confirmed the incident in a phone interview with Channels Television.

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He explained that he, along with a team of vigilantes and some security operatives, had been patrolling another area when the attackers struck.

“The attackers invaded the village in the early hours of Monday and shot sporadically at residents who were scampering for safety after hearing gunshots,” Tongwe said.

He added that although security personnel and vigilantes engaged the assailants and eventually repelled them, the attackers had already caused significant loss of life.

“About thirty-six persons were shot dead and four others died later,” he said.

Several other victims who sustained gunshot wounds are currently receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.

Monday’s attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have rocked Plateau State in recent months.

Less than two weeks ago, a similar assault in communities across Bokkos Local Government Area left 52 people dead.

For years, Plateau State has struggled with violence rooted in land and resource disputes, often between farmers and herders. However, authorities believe the recent pattern of attacks points to something far more coordinated.

Governor Caleb Muftwang, reacting to the rising spate of killings, described the violence as an act of terrorism targeting the state’s population.

“I can tell you in all honesty that I cannot find any explanation other than genocide sponsored by terrorists,” the governor said during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

“The question is, who are the persons behind the organisers of this terrorism? This is what the security agencies must help us to unravel.”

The governor also raised concerns over the growing occupation of communities by armed groups.

“As I am talking to you, there are not less than 64 communities that have been taken over by bandits on the Plateau between Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom local governments,” Muftwang said.

“They have been taken over, renamed, and people are living there conveniently on lands they pushed people away to occupy.”

In response to the growing insecurity, the Federal Government has vowed to clamp down on the perpetrators.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate deployment of tactical units to the affected areas to restore peace.

Despite repeated government pledges, the cycle of violence in Plateau shows no sign of ending.

Over 200 people were killed during a Christmas Day attack in December 2023, while at least 40 others lost their lives in a similar incident in Wase last May.