New York State Police said in a press release that on July 16, 2025, at approximately 7:49 AM, troopers responded to a reported sighting of a downed aircraft in a field located in the town of Berne, in Albany County.
Troopers say that a witness contacted 911 after observing a yellow aircraft from his residence. Troopers responded and located the pilot, Clifford A. Souza, 59, from Pattersonville, standing outside the aircraft. The investigation determined the incident occurred the previous evening, at approximately 7:04 PM.
New York State Police Investigate Small Plane Crash
Troopers say that Mr. Souza told them that after departing from Duanesburgh Airport, he conducted a low approach over a field to assess it as a potential landing site. During the approach, the aircraft’s wheels contacted tall grass, resulting in a loss of airspeed and performance.
Mr. Souza told troopers that he safely executed an emergency landing, during which the plane nosed over and came to rest inverted. He was not injured and was the sole occupant…