Two Killed After Small Plane Crashes Onto Massachusetts Highway During Morning Rush

Published: October 14, 2025, 10:35 EDT

Tragic Crash on Interstate 195 Leaves Two Dead, One Injured

A small aircraft crashed onto Interstate 195 in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on Monday morning, killing both occupants and injuring a motorist. Authorities said the crash occurred amid heavy rain and strong winds as the plane scattered debris and flames across the busy highway.

Emergency Response and Initial Findings

Local officials confirmed that the crash took place during the morning rush hour, forcing the closure of both directions of I-195 near the scene. New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell said in a statement that no motorists sustained serious injuries — a “miraculous outcome” given the scale of the wreckage.

A woman whose vehicle was struck by the plane was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, Massachusetts State Police reported. Videos posted on social media showed thick plumes of black smoke rising from the plane’s fuselage, which came to rest on its side along the highway median.

Victims Identified

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III identified the two victims as Thomas Perkins, 68, and his wife, Agatha Perkins, 66, of Middletown, Rhode Island. Both were pronounced dead at the scene, officials confirmed.

Weather Conditions and Flight Circumstances

At the time of the crash, a nor’easter was sweeping across southern Massachusetts, bringing wind gusts between 30 and 40 mph (48–64 kph) and steady rainfall, according to the National Weather Service.

Investigators said the single-engine aircraft — a Socata TBM-700 — may have been attempting to land at New Bedford Regional Airport when it went down. The Massachusetts State Police noted that the pilot had not filed a flight plan before departure.

Federal Investigation Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said it is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. The agency confirmed that the TBM-700 had departed from New Bedford Regional Airport prior to the accident.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acknowledged the incident but declined to comment further due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Community Response

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell expressed condolences to the victims’ families and praised emergency responders for their swift action. “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and grateful that it did not result in more widespread injuries on the highway,” Mitchell said.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation reported that the highway was partially reopened later that afternoon after cleanup and debris removal operations were completed.

Ongoing Investigation

Officials from the NTSB and Massachusetts State Police continue to gather evidence at the crash site. Preliminary findings are expected to be released within the coming weeks, though the full investigation may take several months.