Plane carrying two people lands safely in Buffalo after door blows off 10 minutes into flight

A small plane with two people on board landed safely at Buffalo Niagara International Airport in New York after it lost a door mid-flight, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

The incident involving a single-engine Diamond DA40 took place around 5:30 p.m. Monday, said the FAA, adding that the pilot "reported losing the left rear passenger door."

Cheektowaga Police, in a statement, said authorities received a call for assistance from the airport around 6:00 p.m.

"A small plane carrying two people reported losing a door to the plane while flying over the area of Stiglmeier Park in Cheektowaga," said the police in a statement.

A spokesperson for Buffalo International Airport told USA TODAY that the plane, operated privately, had taken off from the airport and was 10 minutes into the flight when the door blew off, prompting them to immediately turn back.

Missing door

While the plane was reported to have landed safely, the door of the plane continues to be missing Tuesday morning, said the police.

"Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the door," said the police.

No injuries or damage to property was reported.

Authorities have requested residents of the area to contact the Cheektowaga Police Dispatch at 716-686-3500 if they have any information about the plane door.

A spokesperson of the Cheektowaga Police told USA TODAY that the FAA will be leading the investigation into the incident and that they will be assisting them with any requests they make.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.