Currently, local news from NYC on Philly news is saying that it is either a 2-4 seater "fixed wing aircraft". Studio reporter just asked "What on earth was a small plane doing flying BETWEEN buildings??" Reporter on scene's response: "Good question... "
VERY good question.
Very good question. There is no excuse for hitting a building even if there are mechanical problems; the regs require flying 1,000 feet higher than the tallest obstacle within a mile. Which means that it is either terrorism or an inept/careless/negligent pilot. The latter is more likely but I wouldn't rule our the former just yet.
That building hugs the East River. I would assume it was flying over the river and lost control for whatever reason.
Where did you hear it was flying between buildings?