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A devastating small aircraft crash in New York state has claimed the lives of a prominent Indian-origin surgeon, her husband who was piloting the aircraft, and four other family members. The tragedy unfolded on Saturday when a Mitsubishi MU2B plane, en route to Columbia County Airport from Westchester Airport, went down during a second landing attempt. The accident occurred approximately 200 kilometers from New York City, close to the Massachusetts border.

The deceased have been identified as Dr. Joy Saini, a urogynecologist and pelvic reconstructive surgeon, her husband Dr. Michael Groff, their two children Karenna and Jared, and their respective partners James Santoro and Alexia Couyutas Duarte. The family's heartbreaking loss was confirmed by a statement released on Sunday.

Joy Saini, originally from Punjab, India, had moved to the United States with her parents and pursued a successful medical career after earning her degree from the University of Pittsburgh. It was during her time at the university that she met Michael Groff, who later became a respected neurosurgeon. The two built their careers in Boston and were known for their dedication to medicine and their close-knit family.

Michael Groff, the pilot of the ill-fated aircraft, was described by the family as an experienced aviator. He had developed a passion for flying from a young age under the guidance of his father, starting at just 16. Despite his years of flying, something went tragically wrong during Saturday’s approach to the airport. According to National Transportation Safety Board investigator Albert Nixon, Groff missed his initial approach and requested to circle back for another landing. During this time, air traffic control noted that the aircraft was flying at an unusually low altitude and attempted to warn the pilot. Unfortunately, the warnings did not prevent the crash.

Among the victims was Karenna Groff, a dedicated medical student, and her partner James Santoro, an investment banker who, according to the family, had intended to propose to her. Also on board were Jared Groff and his partner Alexia Couyutas Duarte, a law student with a promising future. The tragedy leaves behind Dr. Saini’s mother, Kuljit Singh, and the couple’s surviving daughter, Anika, who are now grappling with the unimaginable loss.

The crash is currently under investigation by federal authorities to determine the exact cause, including whether mechanical issues, weather conditions, or pilot error contributed to the incident. The plane came down roughly ten miles from its intended destination, spreading wreckage over a wooded area that made recovery efforts challenging.

This incident marks the second fatal aircraft crash in the United States within a span of three days. On Friday, a Cessna 310 aircraft went down in South Florida, killing three people. And just a day earlier, a helicopter carrying a family of tourists from Spain crashed in the Hudson River off Manhattan, resulting in multiple fatalities including the pilot.

The aviation community and those who knew the victims are mourning the loss of a family whose lives were deeply interwoven with service, compassion, and promise. Tributes have poured in from medical institutions, universities, and colleagues, remembering Joy Saini and Michael Groff not only for their professional accomplishments but also for their unwavering commitment to their children and loved ones.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the grieving family and ensuring that all safety protocols are examined to prevent such a devastating occurrence from repeating. The story of Joy Saini and her family’s tragic end is a painful reminder of how suddenly life can change, leaving behind a legacy of love, excellence, and deep sorrow.