N635TA Aviation Accident 2025-04-12
Accident Summary
Fatal Accident (6) - Mitsubishi MU-2B-40 Solitaire, N635TA, near Copake, NY, April 12, 2025.
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Accident Information
| Approx. Accident Location | Aircraft Fatalities | Ground Fatalities | Injured | ASN Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42°10'43.02"N, 73°35'51.36"W | 6 | 0 | 0 | Aviation Safety Network |
Aircraft Information
| Type | Operator | Registration | Serial Number | Manufacture Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi MU-2B-40 Solitaire | Dynamic Spine Solutions LLC | N635TA | 458SA | 1985 |
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ASX Accident Report
On Saturday, April 12, 2025, a Mitsubishi MU-2B-40 Solitaire aircraft, registered as N635TA, crashed in an open field in Copake, New York. The crash occurred around 12:15 p.m. local time while the aircraft was en route to Columbia County Airport located in Hudson, NY. The twin-engine turboprop was carrying six individuals at the time of the accident. Initial reports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) erroneously indicated two occupants aboard; this was later corrected to reflect the actual number.
The aircraft had departed from Westchester County Airport and was in the final stages of flight when it went down. According to the FAA and Columbia County officials, the MU-2B did not collide with any structures during its descent and impacted an undeveloped and muddy field, which significantly complicated access for emergency response teams. The Copake Fire Department, local rescue squads, state police, FAA personnel, and the coroner all responded to the scene. Victim identifications had not been publicly disclosed as of the evening of April 13, pending notification of next of kin.
Weather conditions at the time of the crash have not been formally reported as a contributing factor, and no clear cause was immediately identified. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) assumed leadership of the investigation upon their arrival on Sunday, April 13. Investigators were expected to evaluate numerous aspects of the flight, including aircraft systems, maintenance records, flight data, and pilot credentials. A press conference was announced to provide forthcoming details.
Eyewitness accounts and public input have been requested to support the investigation. Authorities appealed to anyone who may have captured video footage or observed the aircraft during its final moments to contact the Columbia County Sheriff's Office. Given the terrain's saturated condition from prior snowfall, recovery and evidence collection were logistically challenging. Officials closed nearby Two Towns Road to facilitate the investigation and safeguard the site.
The Mitsubishi MU-2B series has a well-documented operational history, both domestically and internationally, with known high-performance characteristics and a mixed reputation concerning safety in the hands of inadequately trained pilots. However, no assumptions have been made in this case pending a full mechanical and procedural review. The aircraft involved, a MU-2B-40 Solitaire variant, is a short-fuselage model known for high-speed cruising and complex flight handling requirements.
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