Aircraft crashes into NYC building
WNBC: Four bodies found; no evidence of terrorism, officials say
NEW YORK - A small plane crashed into a high-rise condominium Wednesday on Manhattan's Upper East Side, touching off a raging fire and stirring fears reminiscent of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Local affiliate WNBC reported four bodies had been found.
Federal officials said there was no evidence that the crash was a terrorist attack. The fire was extinguished within an hour.
There was no word on injuries. The blaze was extinguished in less than hour.
Williams reported that, according to New York investigators, the aircraft was flying at 800 feet when it made a radical turn and crashed.
WNBC reported two bodies found on the ground, one of which was strapped to an aircraft chair. Two bodies were also found in an apartment in the building, the TV station said.
There was no immediate word on whether residents were home at the time of the crash. Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the FBI said there was no reason to believe the incident was terrorism-related.
"The initial indication is that there is a terrible accident," said Department of Homeland Security spokesman Russ Knocke.
But a military official at NORAD said that as an extra measure of security, there were "numerous fighter jet patrols" over several U.S. cities.
The crash at the Belaire Apartments, which overlooks the East River, caused onlookers to be "concerned but not panicking," according to Manhattan resident Cathy Remmert, who lives about 10 blocks from the scene.
Sirens echoed across the neighborhood as emergency workers and ambulances rushed in with stretchers. Broken glass and debris were strewn around the neighborhood.
"There's a sense of helplessness," said Sandy Teller, watching from his apartment a block away. "Cots and gurneys, waiting. It's a mess."
The aircraft struck the 20th floor of the building on East 72nd Street, said Fire Department spokeswoman Emily Rahimi. Witnesses said the crash caused a loud noise. Flames were seen shooting out of the windows. Burning debris fell on the streets below as firefighters shot water streams of water at the flames from lower floors.
Video from the scene showed at least three floors in the high-rise engulfed in flames. A column of gray smoke rose over the city, and raging flames could be seen in four windows on two upper floors.
Four-seater plane believed to be involved
NBC's Jay Blackman reported it was a fixed-wing aircraft operating under visual flight rules, which means the aircraft did not have to be in contact with air traffic controllers. WNBC reported the plane was a Cirrus 20, which can seat 4.
