In a heartbreaking incident that has sent shockwaves through communities in both Connecticut and Vermont, four individuals were killed in a small plane crash on Sunday. The victims include Paul Pelletier, 55, an aerospace teacher from Connecticut, 88-year-old Frank Rodriguez, Susan Van Ness, 51, and her daughter Delilah Van Ness, 15. The crash, which occurred shortly after the group departed from Basin Harbor Airport in Ferrisburgh, Vermont, has left investigators and local communities searching for answers as the cause remains unknown.
According to Vermont State Police, the group had flown from Windham Airport in Connecticut on Sunday morning, arriving in Vermont after a two-hour flight. The purpose of their trip was a casual brunch at a restaurant near the Basin Harbor Airport. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft on the runway at around 12:15 p.m. local time as the group prepared for their return flight to Connecticut.
Paul Pelletier, a well-respected teacher at Middletown Public Schools, had been mentoring Delilah Van Ness, a sophomore at the school, in flight lessons. The bond between the two had grown through their shared passion for aviation. According to Connecticut ABC affiliate WTNH, Delilah was an aspiring pilot, and Pelletier had taken her under his wing. Susan Van Ness, Delilah’s mother, accompanied them on what was supposed to be a routine flight. Authorities have yet to clarify Rodriguez’s connection to the others, but his presence on the flight adds another layer of mystery to the tragedy.
When the plane failed to return to Connecticut as expected, concerned family members contacted authorities. Just after midnight on Monday, Vermont State Police discovered the wreckage of the aircraft in a heavily wooded area east of the Basin Harbor Airport. All four occupants were found dead at the scene.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. As of now, no distress calls were received from the plane, and there were no prior reports of mechanical issues or communication problems. The NTSB will examine the aircraft’s flight data, potential weather conditions, and the pilot’s experience as they work to determine what caused the fatal accident. Investigations into small plane crashes often take time as authorities carefully piece together the timeline of events and look for any contributing factors.
In the wake of the accident, Middletown High School, where Pelletier taught and Delilah was a student, has been left in mourning. The district announced that schools would be closed on Tuesday, and crisis support teams have been made available to students and staff. The loss of Pelletier, a beloved aerospace and manufacturing teacher, has left a significant void in the school. Superintendent Alberto Vázquez Matos released a statement saying, “This unimaginable loss has left a void in our hearts and our community. Paul, Delilah, and Susan were special individuals whose absence is already being felt throughout our district and city.”
The Van Ness family had been closely connected to the school through Delilah’s studies and her involvement in various extracurricular activities. Her mother, Susan, was a regular face at school events, supporting her daughter in every endeavor. The school district is encouraging unity and mutual support during this difficult time. In their statement, they pledged to honor the memories of Paul, Delilah, and Susan by continuing their legacies of “compassion, dedication, and kindness.”
While small plane accidents are rare, they often lead to devastating consequences due to the lack of commercial-grade safety features and the smaller size of the aircraft. In 2020, according to the NTSB, there were 1,139 general aviation accidents in the United States, resulting in 332 fatalities. The causes of these crashes vary, from pilot error to mechanical failure or environmental conditions such as sudden changes in weather.
As investigators continue their work, the communities affected by this tragedy are left grappling with an overwhelming sense of loss. The FAA and NTSB are expected to release preliminary findings in the coming weeks, but the full investigation may take months. For now, the focus remains on supporting those left behind and remembering the lives lost.
This accident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with small aircraft travel, even for experienced pilots like Paul Pelletier. However, the shared love of flying between him and his student Delilah will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on those who knew them.
As the investigation proceeds, Middletown and its surrounding areas will continue to mourn the loss of these four lives, while also seeking solace in the legacies they left behind.