By John Christoffersen
Associated Press
EAST HAVEN, Conn. — A small plane approaching a Connecticut airport crashed into a house Friday, setting the home on fire. There was no immediate word on the extent of any injuries, but a neighbor said a woman believed her children were inside.
The neighbor, David Esposito, said he ran into the East Haven home, but they were forced to leave the building because of the fire.
The Rockwell International Turbo Commander 690B, a multi-engine turbo prop plane, was flying from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey when it crashed near Tweed New Haven Airport at 11:25 a.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA said it is investigating the cause.
Esposito said he heard a loud noise and then a thump. “No engine noise, nothing,” he said.
“A woman was screaming her kids were in there,” he said.
Esposito said he ran into the upstairs of the house, where the woman believed her children were, but they could not find them. They returned downstairs to search but he dragged the woman out when the flames became too strong.
Ambulances and emergency crews from multiple jurisdictions were at the scene.