NH state police: Crash investigation to be lengthy

HOOKSETT, N.H. (AP) -- New Hampshire State Police say they anticipate a "lengthy" investigation in determining the cause of the small plane crash that killed a Rhode Island couple.

The single-engine Beechcraft hit a light pole alongside the northbound lanes of Interstate 93 in Hooksett on Thursday, sending it crashing onto the highway and partially into the woods next to the road. Killed were Herman and Doris Hassinger, who were both 83 and from Block Island.

Lt. Chris Wagner said police were still working Friday with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board on the crash.

NTSB officials are holding a briefing at 3:30 p.m. at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.

The Hassingers were en route to a board of trustees' meeting at the New Hampton School. Herman Hassinger was a longtime trustee.