UPDATED: Pilots killed in Lake Placid crash remembered

LAKE PLACID | The Federal Aviation Administration and local authorities are continuing to investigate a deadly plane crash at Lake Placid Airport that claimed the life of a former NFL star alongside a decorated veteran and leader in the aviation industry. Russ Francis, a former NFL tight end for 13 seasons, recently purchased the Lake Placid Airways scenic tour business operating from the airport and was with Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association's Senior VP Richard McSpadden when the plane went down at about 4:09 p.m. Sunday. The Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association issued a statement saying "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." The plane crashed down a steep embankment at the end of the runway near the North Elba Athletic Fields, visible from Recycle Circle Road. Dozens of personnel from Essex County Emergency Services, New York State Police, Lake Placid Emergency Services, Department of Environmental Conservation and Saranac Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad rushed to the area and remained through the evening as the investigation began. As condolences poured in from across the nation overnight, McSpadden was noted as an accomplished pilot, serving as commander of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds during his extensive military career. He is survived by his wife, Judy, a son and daughter. In a statement, Air Force Thunderbirds said "It is with heavy hearts that we report the loss of former Thunderbird 1, Col (Ret.) Richard "Spad" McSpadden. "Richard dedicated 20 years of his life to serving his country with the Air Force, including commanding the Thunderbirds from 2002-2004. He continued to serve and inspire even after his military career, leading the charge to advance aviation safety industrywide. His impact is felt across the world and his legacy will be lasting! Our hearts are with Richard, his family, and his friends during this time." His sister, Donna Allen, said McSpadden, 63, graduated from UGA with honors before he joined the Air Force as a fighter pilot, serving in Desert Storm as an F-15 pilot. "He was a wonderfully witty and smart brother. He chuckled when he laughed, and he was so very proud of everything I tried and accomplished, coming alongside me with praise and support, always steady with his advice. My brother was a light to this world. He was a wonderful husband to Judy and father to Grant and AB. Our world will be different and difficult without him." Francis, also an avid and experienced pilot, recently purchased the scenic flight business after flying for nearly five decades. The former New England Patriots tight end died at the age of 70. After learning of the crash, his younger brother Ed Francis said his family was completely devastated by the news. "Flying was my brother's lifelong passion, and perhaps a fitting way for him to go." Francis played for the Patriots 1975-80 and 1987-89. He made the All-Rookie Team in 1975. In 1976 (and '78), he was a second-team All-Pro and 77-79 he was selected to the Pro Bowl. His play earned him a spot on both the Patriots All-Decade Team (70's) and their 35th Anniversary Team. His son's mother, Kate Naiman, said "To Russ, flying was like breathing...it came naturally and he lived for it. He used to fly his P-51 Mustang to practice and land in the stadium parking lot and really piss off Bill Walsh. There will be some comfort down the road in knowing that he died doing the thing he loved most, but not today." Francis, who was born and raised and later returned in retirement to his home state of Hawaii, purchased Lake Placid Airways, formerly known as the Adirondack Flying Service, in mid-July. No further details about the Oct. 1 crash was immediately available when The Sun went to print Monday as the investigation continued.

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UPDATED: Pilots killed in Lake Placid crash remembered

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