State Police have identified the glider pilot who died after a midair crash in Edinburg as James L. Morzillo, 80, of Saratoga Springs.
EDINBURG, N.Y. (WNYT) — State Police have identified the glider pilot who died after a midair crash in Edinburg as James L. Morzillo, 80, of Saratoga Springs.
In an update released Sept. 19, New York State Police said Morzillo was flying in the area with a group of gliders when he struck another glider. Police said the contact caused him to lose control of his aircraft and crash.
Troopers were first called at about 2:26 p.m. near Wheeler Road for a report of a two-aircraft crash, according to State Police. One of the gliders later landed safely at nearby Plateau Sky Ranch Airport and that pilot was not hurt.
Crews found debris at about 4:54 p.m. in a remote area off Sand Lake Road with help from State Police Aviation, New York State Forest Rangers and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. State Police said the crash site was later found with help from multiple local fire departments.
Police said Morzillo was the only person in the aircraft and was found dead at the scene. The group of gliders had reportedly been assisted into the air by an engine plane that flew out of Saratoga County Airport and intended to land at the Piesco Airport in Hamilton County.
The Federal Aviation Administration responded to the scene, and both investigations are ongoing. State Police asked anyone who witnessed the crash to call 518-457-6811.