An investigation is underway in Cayuga Lake following a report of an aircraft flying at an unusual low altitude on Thursday night. The Tompkins County 911 received a call from a concerned citizen who reported the approaching plane from the northwest, with lights and what appeared to be fire.
In response to the call, the Lansing Fire Department and the Airport Crash/Fire/Rescue units were dispatched to the area. The Onondaga County’s Air One helicopter and a New York State Police drone operator have also been called in to assist in the investigation. The authorities hope to get an aerial view of the lake to assess the situation.
Airport officials have confirmed that two known amphibious aircraft, which are capable of landing on water, in the area have been accounted for. The authorities, including the Ithaca Airport Fire Chief, Deputy Director, the Lansing Fire Department, New York State Police, Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office, and Onondaga Air One searched the area near and over the lake with thermal imaging equipment, but no signs of any incident have been found.
The authorities are advising anyone with additional information or who may have witnessed the incident to contact the Tompkins County 911 immediately.
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