News

NH man pleads guilty in fatal Mass. plane crash

GREENFIELD (AP) - A New Hampshire man has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for a Massachusetts plane crash that killed his daughter nearly two years ago.

Fifty-eight-year-old Steven Fay of Hillsboro entered the plea Tuesday in Franklin Superior Court and was sentenced to probation.

Fay was piloting a twin-engine Cessna when it crashed on approach to Orange Municipal Airport on New Year's Day 2011. His 35-year-old daughter Jessica Malin died.

Prosecutors said Fay had a pilot's license, but wasn't qualified to fly the plane without an instructor. His license was revoked by the Federal Aviation Administration.

At the recommendation of prosecutors and Fay's attorney, a judge placed him on probation until Dec. 31, 2013. He is prohibited from operating an aircraft or seeking reinstatement of his license during that time. Fay could have faced up to 20 years in prison.