NTSB: Jordanian Student Pilot Intentionally Crashed Airplane In Connecticut

October 12, 2016



On Tuesday afternoon, Feras M. Freitekh, a Jordanian student pilot died in an airplane crash that injured three others in East Hartford, Connecticut.
Freitekh came to the U.S. in 2012 on a temporary student visa for flight school.

The passenger of the plane who survived with “significant injuries” told the FBI that the crash was “not an accident.”


Feras M. Freitekh, the Jordanian who the NTSB says intentionally crashed the airplane

According to Fox61, The National Transportation Safety Board’s initial investigation of Tuesday’s aircraft crash indicates the crash was the result of an intentional act.

Officials said in a statement, “In light of that information and in accordance with established procedures the NTSB is in the process of transferring the lead for the investigation from NTSB to the FBI. The NTSB stands ready to support the FBI’s investigation should a request be made for agency expertise.”

The Piper PA-34 airplane took off from the flight school at Brainard Airport, and struck a utility pole before bursting into flames, WFSB-TV reports.


The scene of Tuesday’s crash

The Hartford Courant reported that the crash happened within close proximity to Pratt & Whitney, a defense contractor for the United States that produces commercial and military jet engines.

According to a Pratt & Whitney spokesman:

“It does not appear at this time that any Pratt & Whitney employees or contractors were involved. Additionally, there is no impact to our operation here in East Hartford other than restricted traffic flow to the facility’s main entrance on Main Street. We stand ready to assist local officials as needed.”


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