Russ Francis and Richard McSpadden Plane Crash: Two killed in Lake Placid airplane crash on Sunday

Russ Francis and Richard McSpadden Obituary: Two killed in Lake Placid airplane crash on Sunday.

Russ Francis, a former NFL tight end who recently acquired the Lake Placid Airways scenic tour company at the airport, and Richard McSpadden, senior vice president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, have been named as the two people who died in an airplane crash at the Lake Placid Airport on Sunday.

Near the North Elba Athletic Fields, near the end of a runway, the teagic crash happened at 4:09 pm.

Emergency services from Lake Placid, the New York State Police, the Saranac Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad, and forest rangers from the state Department of Environmental Conservation responded.

Francis spent his entire life in the air because he always wanted to fly. He was 70.

The plane involved in the crash was a 1976 single-engine Cessna 177.

“We are deeply saddened to report that Richard McSpadden died in an aircraft accident outside Lake Placid, New York, on Sunday afternoon. The Cessna 177 Cardinal in which Richard was in the right seat experienced an emergency after takeoff. The airplane attempted to return to the airport but failed to make the runway. Both occupants lost their lives,” AOPA said in a statement release.

“Richard was a very accomplished pilot, including serving as commander of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds during his military career, and a trusted colleague, friend, son, husband, and father.”

“Richard is survived by his wife, Judy; his son, Grant; and his daughter, Annabel.”

“Our thoughts are with Richard’s family at this time.”

Social Media Tributes

Thoughts and prayers to both families.

ncG1vNJzZmigkarAorrEsGWcp51ju6h70a6qrGWWp66vr8isZJqmlGK%2Fqq%2FHmqmdZZ2YwLGtw52cp2Wgoa6vsYycqZqrmGLBuLuMpKClpJWZeqq6jKWYpJ1dpbmir8idZJqhoqW5orrEZpqrmaOderC6jKysp5yRrnw%3D