Shawangunk, N.Y. — An 80-year-old pilot from New Jersey was killed Saturday afternoon when his single-engine plane crashed during takeoff at Kobelt/Wallkill Airport in the Town of Shawangunk, according to New York State Police.
Authorities said the crash happened around 2:30 p.m., sparking a small brush fire near the wooded area surrounding the airport.
The pilot was identified as Gerald Cotter of Milford, New Jersey.
Witnesses described a fiery explosion moments after the aircraft went down.
“I saw a large explosion and stopped to see if I could help,” said Malorie Lebow. “Unfortunately, it was an inferno so I couldn’t get too close.”
Emergency crews from Orange and Rockland counties responded to the scene. Photos shared by firefighters showed a large plume of smoke rising from the crash site.
Police confirmed that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been notified, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.