Ex-Microsoft Executive Bill Henningsgaard and his son Max were killed when the small plane that they were flying crashed early Friday morning into two houses in East Haven, Connecticut. Two children, ages 1 and 13, in the home the plane crashed into were reported dead.
The Seattle-based pilot Henningsgaard is the son of Edith Henningsgaard-Miller, former mayor of Astoria, Washington, according to the Associated Press.
Henningsgaard and his son, Max, who is going to be a senior in high school, left the West Coast on Monday to tour colleges on the East Coast and New Haven was on itinerary.
According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Henningsgaard was flying out of Teterboro Airport in New Jersey and tried to land at Tweed-New Haven Airport but was unable to for unknown reasons.
The plane was attempting a second landing when it crashed into two homes in East Haven at 11:25 a.m., engulfing both houses in fire.
The addresses of the homes that were struck are 64 and 68 Charter Oak Ave. Both homes are seriously damaged. The incident happened near the Tweed New Haven Airport.
The children’s mother was on the scene and was being consoled by authorities as well as her priest.
“We are doing everything we possibly can for the mom who is here with her priest and family,” Mayor Joseph Maturo said.
East Haven United Church will host Saturday night a vigil for the plane crash victims at 7pm. The town is not unfamiliar with tragedies as Sandy Hook Elementary school massacred last year took place in their neighboring city Newtown.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released the following statement:
"A Rockwell International Turbo Commander 690B, a multi-engine turbo prop aircraft, crashed on approach into the Tweed New Haven Airport. CT at 11:25 a.m. today. The flight originated from Teterboro Airport, NJ. The FAA is investigating.”
