BEVERLY, Mass. (BN24) — A small aircraft crashed near Boston on Thursday morning, leaving one man dead and another in critical condition, prompting a federal investigation into what may have caused the sudden failure. The Mooney M20 plane went down shortly before 9 a.m. in an industrial area along Sam Fonzo Drive, just outside Beverly Regional Airport.
Authorities confirmed that two people were aboard the fixed-wing aircraft when it crashed. One occupant was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was airlifted to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Officials have not yet released the identities of the pilot or the passenger. No injuries were reported on the ground.
The plane’s fuselage was left mangled and upright against a utility pole, surrounded by emergency responders from Beverly police and fire departments. The crash did not result in any fires, though significant structural damage to the aircraft was visible from the street.
Witnesses reported seeing a puff of smoke just moments before the aircraft descended rapidly, suggesting a possible mechanical or engine failure. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are on-site to document the scene and begin analyzing potential causes. The aircraft will be transported to a secure facility for further examination. A preliminary report is expected within two weeks, according to the NTSB.
Police Chief John LeLacheur noted that due to the Juneteenth holiday, fewer businesses were open near the crash site, reducing the risk of additional casualties. Authorities plan to review surveillance footage from nearby establishments once they reopen to assist in the investigation.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the plane had departed from Beverly and was en route to Ticonderoga Municipal Airport in upstate New York, located roughly 100 miles north of Albany.
Beverly, a coastal suburb north of Boston with a population of more than 42,000, was shaken by the rare incident. The crash marks a somber start to the holiday, as federal authorities work to determine what caused the Mooney M20’s fatal descent just after takeoff.
