American pilot and AOPA Air Safety Institute vice president Richard McSpadden died in a fatal air crash on October 1, 2023, at the age of 63.
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The plane crash had occured at Lake Placid, New York, where the aircraft, a Cessna 177, “experienced an emergency after takeoff.” The plane had crashed in a nearby ravine, in an attempt to make a U-turn back to base.
Richard had flown the aircraft in the company former Super Bowl champion Russ Francis when the plane crashed, killing both of them.
About Richard McSpadden
Richard G. McSpadden Jr. was an accomplished pilot, aviation instructor, and former commander of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
Born in Panama City, Florida, Richard began flying aircrafts as a teenager, having been inspired by his father who was a pilot. His family owned a Piper Super Cub at the time and his father practically taught him how to fly.
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Photo Credit: AOPA
Richard obtained a degree in economics from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Troy University. Afterwards, he attended the U.S. Air Force Air War College.
Richard served in the United States Air Force for two decades and rose to become a commander and flight leader of its Thunderbirds demonstration team.
In 2020, he became the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Air Safety Institute (ASI) senior vice-president, after serving as its executive director.
He was also chairman of the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee, and “produced aviation safety material for ASI’s YouTube channel and website.”
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