CONNECTICUT, USA — A Beechcraft Bonanza single-engine 6-passenger plane landed in the Quinnipiac river when it was headed toward New Bedford Mass. on Thursday at around 5:30 p.m. the New Haven Police Department said.
A young married couple and a dog were rescued and made it to shore safely with no injuries. They were picked up on a boat that brought them to shore said Mayor Elicker.
The plane landed near the Grand Avenue Bridge. More than 45 minutes later and the top of the place could still be seen above water.
The cause of the crash is unclear and the two individuals were receiving medical attention said the New Haven Police Department Public Information Officer Scott Shumway.
According to Elicker, officials have environmental concerns.
Officials would like to ensure there is no fuel or oil leaking into the waterway, said Rick Fontana from New Haven emergency management.
"The craft is intact, and is currently positioned on protected oyster beds. Its exact location has been recorded, and floating bags will be applied so that it can be moved from the oyster beds and towed to a nearby dock, where the FAA and NTSB can conduct their investigation of the craft," said the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
About 55 gallons of fuel are estimated to be on board the craft. A small amount leaked out from a breather vent, but the environmental impact is said to be minimal. Sorbent booms are in place and ready to be deployed.
Jareliz Diaz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jdiaz@fox61.com
Elisha Machado is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at emachado@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
---
Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
----
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.