The NTSB is investigating the August 7 crash of a Piper PA46-500TP Meridian near Adirondack Regional Airport in Saranac Lake, N.Y.. All four people aboard were killed when the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff into a wooded area near Lake Clear northwest of the airport. The aircraft, destroyed by impact and subsequent fire, had been headed to Greater Rochester International Airport.
The state police identified the people aboard as Raymond and Sharon Shortino and their longtime friends Harvey and Sharon Stoler. The couples reportedly were returning from watching a lacrosse tournament at Lake Placid. An NTSB investigator who spoke to press over the weekend said the aircraft was found destroyed, but largely intact. The investigator also noted that the Safety Board did interview a witness from the ground crew that heard “routine communications,” including the announced takeoff on Runway 5. The investigator, whose statement was recorded by North Country Public Radio, added the witness did not hear any distress call.