Pilot of Plane That Crash-Landed on Martha’s Vineyard Dies a Week Later
Randolph Bonnist, the pilot of a small plane that crash-landed on Martha’s Vineyard last weekend, has sadly passed away. He died at a hospital in Boston on Thursday night, a statement from the office of Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois confirmed.
The incident occurred when Bonnist, 79, suffered a medical emergency while the plane was on its final approach to Martha’s Vineyard Airport in West Tisbury, Massachusetts on July 15th. As he fell ill, his wife took control of the aircraft, resulting in a hard landing just outside the runway. The impact caused the left wing of the 2006 Piper Meridian airplane to break in half. Thankfully, Bonnist’s wife was unharmed in the crash.
The couple had departed from Westchester County, New York, earlier that afternoon. The crash, which is not considered suspicious, is currently under investigation by state police, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The NTSB has the lead in the investigation, according to an FAA spokesperson.
It is worth noting that this incident happened almost 24 years after another tragic plane crash involving a Piper aircraft. On July 16, 1999, John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette, and her sister Lauren Bessette lost their lives when their Piper Saratoga crashed into the waters off Martha’s Vineyard.
As the investigation into the recent crash continues, our thoughts are with Randolph Bonnist’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. We hope that answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the crash will bring them some form of closure. We will provide updates on the investigation as more information becomes available.
In the meantime, the aviation community and authorities are reminded of the risks associated with flying and the importance of ensuring proper pilot health and supervision. The safety measures implemented by organizations like the NTSB and FAA play a crucial role in preventing incidents like these from occurring in the future.
It is essential to approach aviation safety with the utmost seriousness, ensuring that pilots receive regular medical check-ups and are fit to operate aircraft. Through comprehensive investigations and continued cooperation between aviation authorities, we can strive towards a safer future for air travel.
