SHARE

Plane Crashes After Takeoff In Wappingers Falls

This story has been updated.

A look at the downed, single-engine plane after the Saturday morning crash.

A look at the downed, single-engine plane after the Saturday morning crash.

Photo Credit: Contributed

WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y. -- A single-engine aircraft containing the pilot and one passenger went down right after take-off at Dutchess County Airport late Saturday morning, state police said.

Both occupants of the aircraft appear to be uninjured, according to state police.

The pilot and a passenger, Keith and Margaret Kilgallen, respectively, were headed to Burlington, Vermont, after originally departing from Florida.

The plane reportedly experienced mechanical difficulties right after takeoff, and the pilot was able to land the plane on a nearby hill where it will remain until an FAA investigation is completed, officials said. 

"We are exceptionally grateful that both Keith and Margaret are safe and this accident did not have a tragic outcome," Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said. "Dutchess County airport personnel in partnership with county and local law enforcement and emergency response agencies all train to respond to emergencies such as these and today’s event demonstrated how critical that training is.”

Police, fire and EMS agencies responded to the crash, including the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office, State Police Aviation, Dutchess County Airport Operations, New Hackensack Fire Department and Transcare EMS. 

The Dutchess County Airport has more than 73,000 takeoffs and landings each year. The last crash there occurred two years ago.

to follow Daily Voice Bronxville and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE