Victim of Block Island plane crash identified as NY legislator investigation begins

Daniel Wilson, a 76-year-old county legislator from Amsterdam, New York, died in a plane crash on Block Island on July 30. The small aircraft, part of a fleet owned by the not-for-profit Condair Flyers Inc. , attempted to land after making two passes but ran out of runway. Montgomery County Executive Pete Vroman confirmed Wilson's death, describing him as "smart and patient" and a dedicated community servant. The pilot, aged 87, and a 77-year-old female passenger suffered serious injuries but are expected to recover.

Firefighters faced challenges reaching the crash site, which was in a densely vegetated area, taking approximately 45 minutes to extricate the survivors. An investigator from the National Transportation Safety Board is heading to the location to begin an investigation. The trio had a history of flying together regularly for leisure. Condair Flyers Inc. operates five aircraft and has 75 members based at Albany International Airport.