Emergency Water Rescue Underway After Small Plane Crashes Off Coast Near Tweed New Haven Airport

Emergency Water Rescue Underway After Small Plane Crashes Off Coast Near Tweed New Haven Airport

EAST HAVEN, CT — A major emergency response is underway following the crash of a small aircraft into the waters off the East Haven coast, approximately six miles from Tweed New Haven Airport. The incident occurred late Sunday afternoon, with initial reports coming in near 155 Burr Street.

Authorities responded swiftly after receiving a 911 call reporting that a small plane had gone down in the water with two individuals on board. Upon arrival, emergency crews confirmed that one person had been located in the water and pulled to safety. The second individual remains unaccounted for as of the latest update.

According to reports from Branford Fire Department’s marine units on scene, the aircraft is now fully submerged beneath the surface, complicating rescue and recovery efforts.

A large-scale, multi-agency emergency operation has been launched, involving marine and rescue units from multiple municipalities. The following agencies are actively participating:

• New Haven Fire Department: Engines E16 and E4, Truck T3, Rescue R1, and Command Units C32 and C33
• East Haven Fire Department: Marine 1 deployed
• Branford Fire Department: Marine Units 2 and 5 on scene
• West Haven Fire Department: Marine assets requested for deployment

All responding units have been instructed to stage at Lighthouse Point Park, which is being used as the central coordination hub for access and operations.

Coast Guard units have also been notified and are expected to assist with sonar and dive operations as the search for the missing person continues. A perimeter has been established around the crash site, and boaters in the area are being asked to avoid the vicinity to allow for uninterrupted rescue activity.

Officials have not yet released the identities of the individuals involved. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), both of which have been notified and are expected to arrive on scene.

As this is a developing story, updates will be provided as new information becomes available.