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During a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 3, Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner James Rovella said that as the investigation continues, it was important to keep the families of "those injured and killed in our thoughts and prayers."
The pilot, Ernest McCauley, 75, of Long Beach, California, and co-pilot Michael Foster, 71, of Jacksonville, Florida, are both presumed dead, officials said. The plane's flight engineer, Mitchell Melton, 34, of Dalehart, Texas, survived but was injured.
The remaining presumed dead or confirmed deceased include:
- David Broderick, 56, of West Springfield, Massachusetts
- Gary Mazzone, 66, of Broad Brook, Connecticut
- James Roberts, 48, of Ludlow, Massachusetts
- Robert Riddell, 59, of East Granby, Connecticut
- Robert Rubner, 64, of Toland, Connecticut
Those injured included:
- Andrew Sullivan, 28, of Enfield, Connecticut -- an airport employee
- Andy Barrett, 36, of South Hadley, Massachusetts
- Linda Schmidt, 62, of Suffield, Connecticut
- Tom Schmidt, 62, of Suffield, Connecticut
- Joseph Huber, 48, of Tariffville, Connecticut
- James Traficante, 54, of Simsbury, Connecticut
The crash took place at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 2, while attempting to land. The vintage World War II airplane was in the air for approximately five minutes when it experienced problems and crashed into a de-icing facility at Bradley, bursting into flames, officials said.
Three people on the plane were crew members, 10 were passengers, state police said.
Dozens of local, state and federal agencies and first responders rushed to the scene.
"This was a remarkable effort by all in demonstrating exceptional cooperation considering the logistics involved," said Rovella. "They have my thanks, as well as the gratitude from Connecticut citizens.
This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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