Brakes Fail, Plane Crashes In Hudson Valley

GARDINER, NY — A single engine fixed wing airplane crashed Sunday at the Skydive The Ranch in the town of Gardiner.

The New York State Police said, around 11:45 a.m. Sunday, troopers were sent to Skydive The Ranch for a report of a plane crash.

An investigation found that a 1975 Piper Cherokee Six 300 aircraft was flying from Westchester County Airport to Skydive The Ranch.

While landing at Skydive The Ranch, the pilot said there appeared to be a braking problem and the plane wouldn't stop.

The pilot attempted to climb and try another landing.

While ascending, the plane didn't gain enough altitude and struck a cable fence at the end of the runway next to Sand Hill Road.

The plane crossed Sand Hill Road and went through a vacant lot, striking trees and rocks before coming to a complete stop on Sand Hill Road.

Police said there were four people onboard including the pilot.

The pilot and the front seat passenger suffered minor injuries, but no one else was injured.

No one required medical attention.

State police said the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board were notified.