A pilot and MIT scientist has died, and their passenger was critically injured in a small plane crash near Beverly Regional Airport.
According to a report by CBS News, the incident occurred on Thursday, June 19. Police reportedly said the Mooney M20F plane took off from Beverly Airport en route to Ticonderoga Municipal Airport. The outlet explains the destination is about 100 miles north of Albany. However, the four-seater fixed-wing aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff. The plane landed in an industrial park on Sam Fonzo Drive.
CBS explains that witnesses saw a “puff of smoke” just before the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board reportedly believes the smoke could indicate an engine failure. An investigation is underway, with a preliminary report expected within two weeks. Authorities have not revealed the identity of the passenger who survived, but they confirmed that the pilot was Geoffrey Andrews, a staff scientist at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. He is survived by his wife, Gentry.
The Pilot’s Wife Is Expecting A Baby
Simon Andrews has set up a GoFundMe for Gentry, revealing that she is expecting their first child in October. The fundraiser explains that Andrews adored his job and dreamed of becoming an astronaut one day. He graduated from Purdue University and Lehigh University and became a visiting lecturer at the latter.
The GoFundMe explains that they are collecting funds to support Gentry and the baby, who is due in a few month’s time. The fundraiser adds, ” We thank the investigators who we trust will conduct a thorough investigation into what caused this catastrophic loss of life. We also pray for his passenger in the plane and are sending his loved ones strength through this difficult time.”
Gentry posted about her husband’s passing on Instagram. She explains that the air control tower said Simon’s response to the situation was “textbook,” but the plane still went down. She added, “I am immensely grateful for the outpouring of support I have received and for the community of people who I know will carry me through this time of healing. I will be welcoming visitors in the coming weeks. Funeral details to follow.”