NTSB says East Hartford, CT plane crash was intentional

HARTFORD, Conn. — A deadly East Hartford plane crash was caused by an intentional act, according to the NTSB.

The small airplane crashed near the Connecticut River Tuesday, killing a student and injuring the instructor. The plane was heading in for a landing at Brainard Airport when the plane hit a utility pole and crashed around 4 p.m., bursting into flames.

After a preliminary investigation, the NTSB said the evidence indicates the crash was on purpose.

"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," said the NTSB.

There are reports that the plane crash was suicide, but the East Hartford Police would not comment on that fact, and only confirmed that "nothing is being ruled out," including terrorism.

The twin engine aircraft had two sets of controls, and investigators said in a news conference Wednesday morning that either the pilot, who WFSB-TV reports is Arian Prevalla, or the passenger could have been controlling the plane when it went down.

According to the FAA, the Piper PA-34 Seneca aircraft is registered to International Aviation LLC. On the company's website, International Aviation says it works with corporate, passenger, cargo, and ambulance flights. Prevalla, who survived despite serious burns, is the owner.

Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy said he understands that people are "concerned," but "has great confidence in the team on the ground."

"As a nation, we have had to adjust to this new reality, we recognize that people almost always wonder if someone meant to do us harm, but we must exercise caution without jumping to conclusions before discovering all the facts," Malloy said.

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