Massachusetts Plane Crash Claims Lives of Flight School Owner and Two Others 2025
On what should have been a routine training flight, tragedy struck in the skies over western Massachusetts. A small aircraft operated by a local flight school crashed in a wooded area near the Leyden Wildlife Management Area, claiming the lives of three people and shaking the tight-knit aviation community to its core.
Among the victims were Fredrika Ballard, 53, the respected owner of Fly Lugu Flight School, William Hampton, 68, an experienced flight instructor, and Chad Davidson, 29, a student pilot with big dreams and a bright future ahead.
Rory McIlroy Wins
A Quiet Sunday Turns Tragic
The twin-engine Beechcraft Baron 55 took off from Barnes Airport in Westfield on the morning of Sunday, January 14, 2024. It was a clear day, and the flight—believed to be a training session—seemed routine. But sometime after 11 a.m., something went terribly wrong.
Eyewitnesses walking their dogs in the area reported seeing the aircraft descending rapidly before disappearing into the forested terrain near Greenfield. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but by the time they reached the crash site in the remote area of Leyden, it was too late.
Who Were the Victims?
Fredrika Ballard – The Heart Behind Fly Lugu
Fredrika Ballard wasn’t just the owner of Fly Lugu Flight School—she was a pioneer, a mentor, and a beloved figure in the Massachusetts aviation world. Known for her passion for aviation and dedication to safety, she founded Fly Lugu with the vision of making flight training more inclusive and accessible.
She advocated for women in aviation and mentored dozens of aspiring pilots throughout her career. Her loss reverberates deeply across the aviation community, both locally and beyond.
William Hampton – A Legacy of Instruction
With decades of experience under his belt, William Hampton had become a staple in New England’s aviation circles. Known for his calm demea nor and steady hands, he had taught hundreds of pilots how to fly safely. Many of them have since gone on to successful careers in commercial and private aviation. His passing marks the loss of not just a skilled instructor, but a mentor and friend to many.
Chad Davidson – A Dream Cut Short
Chad Davidson, only 29 years old, was working toward his private pilot’s license. Described by friends and family as driven, kind-hearted, and full of life, Chad had fallen in love with aviation just a year prior. He had ambitions to one day fly commercially, and had just recently passed his solo flight milestone. His loss is particularly heart breaking—a young life full of potential taken far too soon.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. A preliminary FAA report has classified the incident as accidental, but the exact cause remains unclear.
Mechanical failure, pilot error, and weather-related issues are all being considered, though no definitive conclusions have been made public as of now.
The wreckage of the plane was difficult to reach, tucked deep within the wooded Leyden Wildlife Management Area. Recovery efforts were hampered by the terrain and winter conditions, but investigators have since removed the wreckage for further analysis.
The Ripple Effect on the Aviation Community
Fly Lugu Flight School has temporarily suspended all operations. The school released a heartfelt statement expressing grief over the loss of their founder, instructor, and student, promising to support their families and the broader community through the mourning process.
Across the country, aviation groups, former students, and pilot networks have expressed condolences and shared memories of the victims on social media. This crash is a painful reminder that even in an industry where safety is paramount, flying—like life—comes with risks.
Looking Ahead
As the NTSB continues its investigation, many are hoping for answers that might provide closure to the families and the aviation community. But even before those answers arrive, the legacies of Fredrika Ballard, William Hampton, and Chad Davidson are being honored in the most powerful way: through the stories and memories of those they touched.
In the months to come, it’s likely that scholarships or tributes will be created in their names—ensuring their passion for aviation continues to inspire others. Until then, the skies over Massachusetts are a little quieter, and the hearts of those left behind a little heavier.
