It was probably just an engine failure or some precautionary landing, but you know what the news does... it'd be something like...
Local plumber Jim Smith crash lands airplane just 1 mile from elementary school!!!
Local self-described aviation expert Dufus McDummy told Local 7 News that, "this could've been very bad, if school hadn't been out for summer, and if this Piper Citation had caught fire or exploded over the school, hundreds of children might have been hurt or killed... it was a close call!". Local 7 News found that Mr Smith has been a licensed pilot for 2 years and could not verify if he was trained to fly without an instructor on board at the time of the accident, but continues it's investigation to find if any wrong doing may have been evident. You may recall Local 7 New's full coverage of Jim Smith's business failure and bankruptcy in 2008. FAA records indicate the aircraft is registered to Mr Smith but Local 7 has been unable to verify his current income and debt load, we will provide updates as this new information becomes available. Mr Smith is a plumber employed with ABC Plumbing in West Village. He was not available for comment, despite multiple attempts by Local 7 to contact his home and place of business!
I dont blame people for trying to keep things quiet for a few days until the local news has something else to chase after.