On October 11, 2006, a small plane piloted by New York Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle tragically crashed into a 50-story building on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, killing both Lidle and a second passenger 443. The crash sparked fears of another terrorist attack, but authorities quickly confirmed it was an accident. Lidle, an avid pilot, had recently assured reporters of his confidence in flying and his plane’s safety features, including a parachute designed for emergency situations. However, it appeared the parachute was not deployed.
The accident occurred just days after the Yankees were eliminated from the playoffs, with Lidle having pitched in the series. The incident rattled New Yorkers, still on edge five years after the 9/11 attacks, and led to heightened security measures, including fighter jets being deployed to several cities. Lidle’s tragic death adds him to a list of athletes who have died in plane crashes, including fellow Yankee Thurman Munson in 1979. The investigation was led by the National Transportation Safety Board, with early reports suggesting distress signals were sent before the crash.
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