Small plane crashes close to Albany Shaker Road

Smoke comes from the site close to the library of the town.

By Daniel Roberts, Steve Hughes

Jun 17, 2024 12:42 PM

COLONIE The town police said Monday morning that an aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Maxwell Road and Albany Shaker Road at around 8:30 a.m.-and the crash caused a shake in nearby structures.

The source of law enforcement stated that one person was aboard. The aircraft took off from Albany International Airport and had engine problems, but did not get back to the airport.

The Times Union staff member could not reach the scene because emergency vehicles were blocking off the area, however smoke could be seen from the area.

The area is the place where Maxwell Road was rerouted some years ago, and includes areas without buildings It wasn’t immediately evident if the plane damaged structures or injures any person on the ground. The pilot’s status was not known as well. The site of the crash is next to the William K. Sanford Town Library.

Stacy Blais, a Times Union employee, was parked onto the driveway of the office at Albany Shaker Road around 8:15 a.m. when she told police she heard the plane roar before she saw it.

“I was in my car, and it was extremely loud. It was clear that it was a tiny plane as the sound was so loud (in frequency),” she said.

“I went out and saw a tiny white plane that was moving fast. … it was flipping, and then it went up high and back down low. I returned to my car to pick up my backpack and I heard the blast. All I could see was the black smoke coming from the trees.” Blais said.

The story is being updated. article when more details become available.