A small aircraft crashed Thursday morning near a Massachusetts airport, killing one person and seriously injuring another.
According to CBS News and Boston 25 News, a Mooney M20 plane went down shortly before 9 a.m. on June 19, 2025, near Beverly Regional Airport, prompting an emergency response and a federal investigation.
The plane came down on Sam Fonzo Drive in Beverly, near the airport’s runways. Emergency responders rushed to the scene after the crash, which was reported just before 9 a.m. on Thursday.
According to authorities, two men were onboard the single-engine aircraft at the time of the crash. The wreckage left both individuals trapped inside the crumpled remains of the plane.
Officials Confirm One Fatality at the Crash Site
Beverly Deputy Fire Chief Jonathan Palm confirmed that one of the men died at the scene. The other person onboard sustained serious injuries and was taken to Beverly Hospital by emergency medical teams. “One party was transported to Beverly Hospital by paramedics. One party on scene was nonviable,” Palm said during a press briefing later that morning.
Officials have not yet released the identities of either of the victims. Both federal and local authorities are working to notify family members and begin a full investigation into what caused the small plane to go down.
The Plane is Believed to Have Been Taking Off Before the Crash
While a complete investigation is ongoing, early indications suggest the aircraft attempted to take off when the incident occurred. No people on the ground were hurt, and there was no reported property damage around the location of the crash.
Eyewitness video from shortly after the crash shows the Mooney M20 severely damaged and wrapped around a light pole. The scene was quickly cordoned off to allow investigators and emergency teams to work safely. Authorities dispatched a significant emergency response to the site, involving both firefighters and paramedics, reflecting initial concerns that the crash may have involved further risk to nearby areas or property.
Community Expresses Shock and Sympathy
The crash has prompted an outpouring of concern across the Beverly community. In a statement on Thursday, Beverly Mayor Michael Cahill expressed condolences to those affected.
“The community is saddened by the tragic plane crash,” Cahill said. He added that the city’s thoughts and prayers are with the families of those involved. The Beverly Regional Airport, located northeast of Boston, serves both private and instructional aviation and typically sees light aircraft traffic throughout the day.
Federal Investigation Launched by the FAA and the NTSB
Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are now investigating the cause of the crash. Investigators will focus on flight records, mechanical systems, and any communication the pilot may have had before the incident.
The FAA identified the aircraft as a Mooney M20, a four-seat, piston-powered plane popular among general aviation pilots. It remains unclear how long the aircraft had been in the air before it went down. Investigators will also examine weather data and maintenance history to determine if outside factors played any role. A full report is expected to take several weeks or longer, depending on the findings.
Wreckage Recovery and Safety Assessment Underway
Crews have begun the process of recovering the wreckage to assist in the investigation. The plane’s flight recorder, if equipped, will be a key component in understanding what led to the crash.
Despite the proximity to the airport and nearby businesses on Sam Fonzo Drive, responders said the crash did not cause any fire or hazardous material risk. A full safety review will be part of the federal investigation. Local officials said they will cooperate fully with the FAA and NTSB, and airport authorities remain in close contact with federal teams as the investigation continues.
