Sunday, April 24, 2022

Already hot in East Hampton as town battles lawsuits over airport

The “new” airport will no longer be run by the Federal Aviation Administration. 
Suffolk County Court



The tony town of East Hampton has already reportedly shelled out $2.5 million-plus to battle a slew of money-draining lawsuits challenging its plan to privatize its airport — after angering just about all its residents.

Foes range from deep-pocketed East End moguls to private pilots, helicopter companies and even the estate of a builder-to-the-stars and his wife who died in a 2018 plane crash, with everyone furious about issues from flying curfews to new fees.

“We just want to sit down with [the town board]. …Them being all Democrats, they don’t believe in that,” metal mogul Andy Sabin, one of at least five plaintiffs, sniffed to The Post. 

The airport, which has become a much-desired tarmac for the rich and famous, plans to close May 17 and reopen as a “new” airport May 19.

The move means it will no longer be run by the Federal Aviation Administration and that the town can make its own rules — and East Hampton plans to do just that.

The new East Hampton Airport is expected to set a curfew for flights, allow only one flight per aircraft a day, set regulations for the type of aircraft allowed and prioritize privately owned jets and helicopters.

As part of the switch, the town would be able to collect $10 million in federal surplus funds allocated to the “old” airport — but at least a quarter of that dough has already been eaten up by the town’s legal fees battling foes, two sources said.

Sabin said he operates his business out of the Hamptons in part because the airport allows him to fly in clients whenever he pleases.

But he said he is prepared to now pick up and move to more welcoming pastures down south if the town’s plan goes through.

“I’m 5 minutes to the airport from my house in Florida, and I don’t have to worry about bulls–t, and the people are so nice.” Sabin said.

Local pilot and resident Kathryn Slye told The Post, “This town board is intentionally excluding the aviation community, ignoring the wishes of 80 percent of their local community and doing whatever they want.”

Under the new rules, Slye said, take-off and landing fees for small, locally-based aircraft will be bumped up in some cases from $20 to $300, kneecapping pilots and aviation enthusiasts who can’t afford the hefty increase.

The new regs also are expected to ban planes that use leaded-fuel, meaning no piston planes will be allowed to land on the tarmac, she said.

Lawyer Randy Mastro, who is representing the helicopter shuttle service Blade in its suit against the town, claimed that under state law, East Hampton needs to conduct a thorough and public review of the environmental impacts of changing the airport before it goes through with the move. The town board has yet to do that, Mastro said.

East Hampton officials did return a request for comment from The Post.

“The town is saying, ‘We are going to do what we are going to do and then study it afterwards,’ ” the lawyer claimed.

“That’s not the way New York law works. … It’s sophistry,” Mastro said.

Critics of the plan also argue that people won’t stop flying to the tony summer getaway even if East Hamptons limits the use of its prized tarmac. 

And if people can’t fly into the town’s airport, they’ll land in surrounding locations such as Southampton, West Hampton and Mattituck on the North Fork, potentially wreaking havoc in those places, insiders say.

Aircraft companies in the area are already seeing a surge in people wanting to buy their own planes and helicopters to guarantee summer flights, an aviation insider told The Post.

“There will be diversions to places that can’t accommodate this kind of volume — East Hampton Airport is the nexus of the entire aviation infrastructure out there, and it keeps balance,” the source said.

Scott Russell, the town supervisor of Southold, which includes Mattituck, said he won’t let companies such as Blade divert flights to the area.

“Whatever their solution is, they can work that out — as long as that solution doesn’t include the North Folk,” he said of aviators.

Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman said, “I just don’t know if [East Hampton’s] will create a new set of problems for different residents.

“It hasn’t been analyzed, it hasn’t been studied,” Schneiderman said.

East Hampton is also being sued by the estates of the late builder-to-the-stars Ben Krupinski and his wife Bonnie — who died in a 2018 plane crash while en route to East Hampton Airport and whose inheritors still have an airplane hangar there. 

Suing through an LLC, the estates say closing the airport would breach the terms of a lease they have for airport space that doesn’t expire until 2027. Closure would inflict harm on the company that can not be compensated through monetary damages, the LLC claimed court documents.

Jeff Smith of Eastern Region Helicopter Council told The Post, “I believe that diplomacy had a chance” — but no longer.

“The 2022 season is only weeks away,” he noted.

While East Hampton officials have angered local pilots and the ultra-wealthy who will pay $400 for a seat on a helicopter to beat the Long Island Expressway traffic, local residents aren’t too pleased about the airport switchover, either.

“It’s a complete sham,” said Barry Raebeck, the director of Coalition to Transform East Hampton Airport, which wants the airport to be converted into public space. 

“The issue tends to get spun as the rich a–holes against the other rich a–holes. I’m a former school teacher. I’m concerned about climate change,” he said, adding that the people landing at the airport are the ones who live in 30,000-square-foot “climate monstrosities.”

“The people are suffering because we don’t have access to 600 acres of public land that could be used for better things,” Raebeck said.

Instead, residents have an airport “that most of us don’t use or hate,” he said.

Cessna 170B, N4398B: Accident occurred April 23, 2022 in Ravensdale, King County, Washington

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident. 

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Seattle, Washington

Location: Ravensdale, Washington 
Accident Number: WPR22LA166
Date and Time: April 23, 2022, 18:20 Local
Registration: N4398B
Aircraft: Cessna 170B 
Injuries: 2 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On April 23, 2022, about 1820 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 170B, N4398B, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Ravensdale, Washington. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, he departed Arlington Municipal Airport (KAWO) about 0900 for a cross-country flight, with multiple intermediate legs and a destination of Enumclaw Airport (WA77). About 1 hour and 30 minutes into the last leg of the cross-country flight, the engine lost all power. The pilot immediately verified that the mixture and throttle control settings were advanced and switched the fuel selector lever from BOTH to the right tank then to the left tank, but the engine did not restart. The pilot then maneuvered the airplane towards a road for a forced landing, but the airplane impacted treetops. The airplane came to rest upright on a riverbank.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N4398B
Model/Series: 170B
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site: 
Temperature/Dew Point:
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility:
Altimeter Setting:
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Arlington, WA (AWO) 
Destination: Enumclaw, WA (WA77)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 Serious 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 47.301483,-121.84748 (est)

Aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances. 

Date: 24-APR-22
Time: 02:29:00Z
Regis#: N4398B
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 170
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: MINOR
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: EN ROUTE (ENR)
Operation: 91
City: RAVENSDALE
State: WASHINGTON



Two men are safe after a small plane crash Saturday.

Puget Sound Fire says it happened between the Howard Hanson Reservoir and the City of Palmer.

First responders say the plane went down a 60-foot embankment and was partially submerged in the Green River.

They shared a video of a person being lifted to safety.






Firefighters with Puget Sound Fire and King County Fire District 47 pulled two people from a plane that crashed in Ravensdale, Puget Sound Fire tweeted Saturday night.

Puget Sound Fire said the plane was at the bottom of a 60-foot steep embankment and was partially submerged in a river.

Crews used ropes to rescue the two men from the wreckage. Both suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Diamond DA40 Diamond Star, N321PF: Fatal accident occurred April 23, 2022 in Cedar City, Iron County, Utah

Danielle DeAgostini, Thomas Eatchel, Lindsay Eatchel, Steven Eatchel.



This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. 

The National Transportation Safety Board traveled to the scene of this accident. 

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Salt Lake City, Utah
Lycoming Engines; Phoenix, Arizona
Transportation Safety Board of Canada
Diamond Aircraft


Location: Cedar City, Utah
Accident Number: WPR22FA164
Date and Time: April 23, 2022, 18:48 Local 
Registration: N321PF
Aircraft: DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC DA40
Injuries: 4 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On April 23, 2022, about 1848 mountain daylight time, a Diamond Aircraft, DA 40, N321PF, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Cedar City, Utah. The pilot and 3 passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The operator reported that the pilot rented the airplane with the intent to fly a multi-leg round robin cross county flight from his home base of Spanish Fork Municipal Airport/Woodhouse Field (SPK), Spanish Fork, Utah. The pilot planned route of flight included intermediate stops at Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC), Bryce Canyon Airport (BCE), Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY), Carbon County Regional Airport/Buck Davis Field (PUC), before returning to SPK.

The operator stated that the airplane departed SPK on the first leg of the flight with about 40 gallons of fuel.

Recorded airport surveillance video at CDC showed the accident airplane land at 1615 hours and taxi to the self-serve fuel pumps. The pilot and passengers disembarked, and the pilot refueled the airplane, adding about 14 gallons of fuel. The pilot and passengers subsequently boarded the airplane and taxied toward the runway.

A pilot rated witness, who was driving down Cedar Canyon (westbound) on State Highway 14, reported that he observed what is believed to be the accident airplane flying up the canyon over the river, about 300 ft above ground level (agl). The witness stated that as the airplane was about to pass over their position, it turned left and then right, and that the maneuvers were quick and more like a rocking motion. The witness added that propeller appeared to be under power and not windmilling.

A second witness, who was traveling on State Highway 14 near the accident site, reported that they observed an airplane believed to be the accident airplane flying on an easterly heading, over the highway, about 200-300 ft above the ground (agl). The witness stated that other than being low, the airplane did not appear to be in distress, however; his vehicle windows were up, and he could not hear the airplane’s engine. After the airplane passed over their position, he looked in the mirror and saw the airplane “bank really hard to the south, back across the highway” as if the airplane were trying to turn around in the narrow canyon. The witness stated that at that point, the airplane’s wings appeared to be almost vertical and the airplane “didn’t look like it had enough speed to pull off that maneuver.”

First responders later located the airplane wreckage while responding to a vegetation fire.

Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane impacted mountainous terrain along the southern edge of a canyon about 7 miles southeast of the CDC. The airplane came to rest inverted, on a magnetic heading of about 289°, at an elevation of 6,583 ft mean sea level. The first identified point of contact (FIPC) was a tall tree that had damaged limbs near the top of the tree. The debris path was oriented on a magnetic heading of about 294° and was about 150 ft in length from the FIPC to main wreckage. All major structural components of the airplane were located throughout the debris path The wreckage was recovered to a secure location for further examination.



Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC
Registration: N321PF
Model/Series: DA40
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator: Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCDC,5590 ft msl 
Observation Time: 18:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 9°C /-8°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 9500 ft AGL
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots / , 20°
Lowest Ceiling: 
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.1 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Cedar City, UT 
Destination: Bryce Canyon, UT (BCE)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 3 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 37.64785,-112.97382

Aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances in mountainous terrain and post impact fire. 

Date: 24-APR-22
Time: 00:48:00Z
Regis#: N321PF
Aircraft Make: DIAMOND
Aircraft Model: DA40
Event Type: ACCIDENT
Highest Injury: FATAL
Total Fatal: 4
Flight Crew: 1 fatal
Pax: 3 fatal 
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: DESTROYED
Activity: SIGHT SEEING
Flight Phase: MANEUVERING (MNV)
Operation: 91
City: CEDAR CITY
State: UTAH

Those who may have information that might be relevant to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation may contact them by email witness@ntsb.gov, and any friends and family who want to contact investigators about the accident should email assistance@ntsb.gov. You can also call the NTSB Response Operations Center at 844-373-9922 or 202-314-6290.


Thomas Eatchel


SALT LAKE CITY – The National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report of April’s fatal plane crash in Iron County hints at odd maneuvers before the crash.

According to the two witnesses, they noticed the plane making maneuvers that seemed abnormal.

The first witness said that the plane was about to pass him on State Highway 14 but turned quickly and was in a “rocking motion.” He added that the propeller looked underpowered and was not working right.

The second witness supported these events and saw the plane “bank really hard to the south, back across the highway” as if it was trying to turn around in the canyon. He noticed the plane having speed issues with the wings looking upright and didn’t look fast enough for the turn. 

Both witnesses said the plane was about 200 to 300 feet above the ground when it attempted the turn.

The NTSB report corroborates the timeline of pilot Steven Eatchel and his three passengers, Lindsay Eatchel, Thomas Eatchel, and Danielle Deagostini, leaving for a sightseeing trip starting in Spanish Fork, to Cedar City, then to Bryce Canyon and other locations before returning to Spanish Fork.

The plane crashed upside down into a tree in the canyon, causing it to break apart, according to the report.

The NTSB said this is a preliminary report, and details might change as the investigation continues.



Danielle DeAgostini



CEDAR CITY – The Utah County Sheriff's Office announced Sunday that one of four people killed in a Saturday plane crash near Cedar City was a longtime deputy with the department.

Family members said Steven Eatchel was flying with his wife Lindsey Eatchel, brother Thomas Eatchel and Tom's girlfriend Danielle DeAgostini, to Cedar City to visit another brother.

According to the Iron County Sheriff's Office, the four took off from the Spanish Fork Municipal Airport Saturday afternoon, touched down in Cedar City for a little over an hour, then took off again with plans for a sightseeing tour over Zion National Park.

Just a few minutes after takeoff, the plane crashed five miles outside Cedar City.

Pilot Steven Eatchel has been with the Utah County Sheriff's Office for 12 years, working in courts and corrections at the jail, said Utah County Sheriff's Sgt. Spencer Cannon.

"When you first hear it, it's like you almost just shake your head and say, 'This can't be real.' And it takes a minute for it to settle in," Cannon said. He said he had just talked to Steven Eatchel three days ago and described the deputy as always working with a smile.

Cannon said the community was well-served by Steven Eatchel, who was committed to his job and was well liked.

"He would work most recently at the Utah County Security Center, when I would see him just a few days ago, at the front desk where the public comes in and he greets them," Cannon explained. "And if I'm going out there to meet media or something, he's there, and I'll chat with him for a couple of minutes."

Those casual chats are now memories shared by deputies who worked with Steven Eatchel. Cannon said everybody is hurting and still having to go to work as they process the loss.

Family posted that the Steven and Lindsay Eatchel leave behind four young children.

"It's a tragedy that's going to stick with us, and the tragedy's compounded by the fact that he's got four kids that he's left behind now, that they've left behind — he and his wife Lindsay," Cannon said. "And It's hard to imagine what it must be like for the rest of the family who are now caring for those children, and how do you explain this to them that mom and dad aren't coming home again? And that's a hard pill to swallow."

In addition to the children losing their parents, the Eatchel family lost two sons/brothers, plus the loss experienced by Lindsay Eatchel and Danielle DeAgostini's families — all in an instant.

The Utah County law enforcement community is processing losing their co-worker and friend, Cannon expressed.

"There will be a hole there to fill and that feeling is going to take a while to go away, especially for those that work more closely with Steve," Cannon said. "You don't get over it. You don't find closure. I think you find a way to work your way through it and learn how to live with it."

As the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board investigate that crash, family members have set up GoFundMe* fundraisers for the families of Lindsay and Steven Eatchel, as well as for Thomas Eatchel.

*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.


Lindsay and Steven Eatchel
(Photo: Utah County Sheriff's Office)





IRON COUNTY, Utah — The four people killed Saturday in a small plane crash east of Cedar City have been identified by the Iron County Sheriff‘s Office.

The victims were pilot Steven Eatchel and wife Lindsay Eatchel of Springville, Thomas Eatchel of Heber City, and Danielle DeAgostini of Sandy.

Steven Eatchel was a deputy with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office. Lindsay Eatchel was his wife.

“Deputy Eatchel has worked for the Sheriff’s Office for nearly 12 years and was currently assigned in corrections,” a UCSO statement says.  “Steve and Lindsay leave behind four children.

“The Utah County Sheriff’s Office expresses its sincerest condolences to the Eatchel family. His kind manner and ever present smile will be missed.”

The crash

The call came in at 6:47 p.m. Saturday reporting a fire about five miles east of Cedar City, on State Route 14. Iron County Sheriff’s deputies responded, as did Utah Highway Patrol Troopers and Color County Fire personnel.

“Upon arrival, Sheriff deputies made their way toward what they believed to be a fire, and discovered the burning remains of a downed aircraft,” a statement from the Sheriff’s Department says.

“Paramedics from Gold Cross Ambulance, Cedar Fire personnel and members of the Iron County Search & Rescue were dispatched, and arrived on the scene to assist.”

The pilot and three passengers of the Diamond DA40 Diamond Star aircraft were found deceased.

Planned route

Iron County Sheriff officials say the aircraft left Spanish Fork municipal Airport at approximately 2:45 p.m., and arrived at Cedar City Regional Airport at about 4:10 p.m.

After an approximate 2.5 hour layover, the aircraft took off at approximately 6:38 p.m. for a sightseeing tour of Zion National Park, and was following State Route 14, headed east, before radar communication lost the aircraft at 6:42 p.m.

“On scene, deputies stated, based off debris, aircraft orientation and damage to foliage, it appeared the aircraft crashed heading west from an easterly direction,” the ICSO update says. “Investigators from the Iron County Sheriff’s Office, along with investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration and National, National Transportation Safety Board will conduct a scene investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

“Again, the Iron County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends os of those who lost their lives in this tragic event.”



Thomas Eatchel


The pilot of the plane that crashed in Iron County on April 23, 2022 was identified as Deputy Steven Eatchel of Springville. Eatchel was a deputy with the Utah County Sheriff's Office who officials said worked at the Utah County Jail. 
(Photo: Utah County Sheriff's Office)



IRON COUNTY, Utah — Officials have identified the four people killed in a small plane crash Saturday evening near Cedar City.

Around 7 p.m., authorities received a report of a fire near State Route 14, about five miles east of Cedar City. When police and fire crews responded, they found the burning remains of a Diamond DA40 Diamond Star aircraft.

Four people were on board, and they were all pronounced dead at the scene.

The Iron County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as Steven Eatchel of Springville, Lindsay Eatchel of Springville, Thomas Eatchel of Heber City, and Danielle DeAgostini of Sandy.

Steven Eatchel, the pilot, was a deputy with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, Sgt. Spencer Cannon told FOX 13 News. He worked in the county jail and had been with the sheriff’s office since 2010. He and Lindsay Eatchel were married, and they leave behind four children.

"The Utah County Sheriff's Office expresses its sincerest condolences to the Eatchel family. His kind manner and ever present smile will be missed," a statement from the sheriff's office read.

According to a press release from the Iron County Sheriff's Office, the plane had flown from the Spanish Fork Municipal Airport to the Cedar Regional Airport Saturday afternoon. The group then took off at 6:38 p.m. for a sightseeing tour of Zion National Park, but radar communication was lost four minutes later. It was flying east along SR-14, but officials said the "debris, aircraft orientation, and damage to foliage" at the crash scene indicated that the plane was going west when it hit the ground.

The sheriff's office, the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash.

"[T]he Iron County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friend of those who lost their life in this tragic event," the press release read.












CEDAR CITY, Utah — Four people were killed when a small airplane crashed in Cedar Canyon a few miles east of Cedar City on Saturday evening, authorities said.

Iron County Sheriff’s Lt. David Mitchell said the initial call came in shortly before 7 p.m. as a report of a fire in the trees just to the south of state Route 14, at approximately mile marker 6.

When firefighters reached the scene, they found the burning remains of a downed aircraft, Mitchell said.

The Diamond DA40 Diamond Star was occupied by four people, all of whom were pronounced dead at the scene, he added. 

“Law enforcement is attempting to identify the plane’s occupants at this time,” stated a news release issued by Iron County Sheriff’s Office shortly after midnight on Sunday. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all family members and friends of the deceased.”

Just after 11 p.m., firefighters and other responders had wrapped up the recovery operation and headed back down the canyon to Cedar City.

Mitchell said the state medical examiner’s office has been notified of the incident, as have investigators with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

Other details, including the specific airplane involved and its flight path, have not yet been released, but Mitchell said additional information would be forthcoming as it becomes available.

Those responding to the incident included Iron County Sheriff’s deputies, Iron County Search and Rescue personnel, Utah Highway Patrol troopers, firefighters and crews from Cedar City Fire Department and Color Country Fire and Gold Cross Ambulance paramedics.