Feb. 26 (UPI) — A small plane crashed into the side of Vermont’s snow-covered Mount Equinox on Wednesday morning, with all three on board suffering only non-life-threatening injuries.
The pilot had reported the crash at about 8:33 a.m. EST, prompting the deployment of rescuers who fought through four feet of snow to reach the crash site, which they did at about 10:16 a.m., officials said during a press conference.
Two helicopters were dispatched from Albany, with one used to hoist the survivors from the wreckage and transport them to the Manchester Public Safety Facility.
One was airlifted to the Albany Medical Center for further evaluation, officials said.
Jamie Greene, first assistant chief of the Manchester Fire Department, credited the heavy mantling of snow having played a factor in potentially improving the outcome for the pilot and two passengers aboard the plane.
“Obviously the snow helped cushion the fall,” he said, adding that the pilot was able to maneuver the plane to avoid trees as it crashed.
While potentially softening the crash, the snow impeded rescue efforts, he said, stating that once responders were halfway up the mountain, the snow was waist deep and they had to revert to snowshoes, which were borrowed from a local community member.
“It was very rugged terrain but our guys pushed through and were able to contact them,” he added.
The make of the plane, its route and the cause of the crash were unknown, according to the official.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are to arrive Friday morning to conduct their investigation, officials said.