Two killed in Lake Placid airplane crash identified
Lake Placid airplane crash
A devastating airplane crash occurred at Lake Placid Airport this past Sunday, claiming the lives of Russ Francis, an ex-NFL player and the recent buyer of Lake Placid Airways, and Richard McSpadden, Senior Vice President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).
The tragic incident unfolded around 4:09 p.m. near the terminal of the runway, adjacent to North Elba Athletic Fields. Multiple emergency units, including state and local authorities, swiftly converged on the scene.
Russ Francis, aged 70, had always been passionate about flying, spending a lifetime soaring through the skies. His devotion to aviation was so profound that he once slept in the back of an aircraft hangar and even took up football with the New England Patriots for the sheer love of flying. Only a month before his untimely death, Francis nostalgically recounted his inaugural flight in 1974 to an Enterprise reporter.
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Two killed in Lake Placid airplane crash identified
The local community is reeling from the loss. “Russ Francis instantly became a dear friend. His enthusiasm was magnetic, and he was a vital part of our community,” said Derek Doty, North Elba Town Supervisor.
Richard McSpadden was a cherished figure in the aviation world. After news of his death broke, numerous tributes poured in online. According to an AOPA statement, McSpadden was riding in the right seat of a Cessna 177 Cardinal when the plane faced a post-takeoff emergency. He leaves behind a wife, Judy; a son, Grant; and a daughter, Annabel. “Richard was a stellar pilot, a trusted colleague, and a loving family man,” the statement added.
The immediate area was quickly designated as a crime scene and sealed off by 5 p.m. The ongoing investigation involves both federal and state authorities. A preliminary report is expected to be released soon.
This is not the first tragedy at Lake Placid Airport; records indicate at least 17 plane crashes have occurred there since 1962. Lake Placid Airways was recently sold to Francis and partner Rives Potts. The previous owner, Steve Short, had inherited the business from his father, who took over after the original owner succumbed to cancer.
This news is developing, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.
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