New York, NY: A devastating plane crash in upstate New York on Saturday, April 12, 2025, claimed the lives of six individuals, including Indian-origin doctor Dr. Joy Saini, her husband Dr. Michael Groff, and their two adult children.
The family was en route to a birthday and Passover celebration in the Catskills when their twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft crashed near Copake, NY.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident.
Key Facts:
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The crash occurred on April 12, 2025, near Copake, New York, shortly after noon.
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Victims included Dr. Joy Saini, a respected urogynecologist originally from Punjab, India; her husband, Dr. Michael Groff, a neuroscientist and experienced pilot; their daughter, Karenna Groff, a former NCAA Woman of the Year and MIT graduate; Karenna's boyfriend, James Santoro; their son, Jared Groff; and Jared's partner, Alexia Couyutas Duarte.
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The aircraft had taken off from White Plains and was attempting to land at Columbia County Airport when it crashed. No distress call was made before the crash.
The family was traveling to the Catskills to celebrate a birthday and Passover. Dr. Groff, who was piloting the aircraft, requested a new landing approach after missing the first but failed to respond to multiple low-altitude warnings.
The plane crashed into a muddy field approximately 10 miles from the airport.
Dr. Joy Saini was a renowned urogynecologist based in Massachusetts, known for her dedication to women's health.
Her daughter, Karenna, was a standout soccer player at MIT and had recently begun medical school at NYU.
The family was deeply involved in their community and celebrated for their professional achievements.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting a thorough investigation into the crash.
Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft was intact before impact, and the cause of the crash remains undetermined.
The investigation may take up to 24 months to complete.
This tragic event has deeply affected the Indian-American community and highlights the importance of aviation safety.
The NTSB's ongoing investigation aims to uncover the factors that led to this heartbreaking incident.
Do You Know?
The Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft involved in the crash is known for its speed and performance but has a complex flight profile that requires specialized pilot training.
Key Terms:
Urogynecologist: A medical doctor specializing in the care of women with pelvic floor disorders.
NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board): An independent U.S. government agency responsible for investigating civil transportation accidents.
Passover: A major Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt.