Montgomery County Legislator Dan Wilson Identified as Victim in Fatal Block Island Plane Crash
On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, a single-engine Piper Cherokee aircraft, co‑piloted by Dan Wilson, departed from Albany International Airport at approximately 10:50 a.m., bound for Block Island State Airport in Rhode Island .
At around 12:10 p.m., on the third landing attempt, the plane crashed just east of the runway, flipping and coming to rest upside-down in a wooded area at the runway’s end .
👤 Victim: Dan Wilson
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The only fatality was Dan Wilson, aged 77, who served as the District 5 Legislator in Montgomery County, New York .
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Wilson had a distinguished career as a civil engineer and public servant, notably as Chair of the county’s Physical Services Committee and as a respected member of his legislative body.
🧑🚒 Survivors & Emergency Response
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Two other passengers in their 70s survived the crash. Both were injured and treated initially on Block Island before being flown to Rhode Island Hospital for further care.
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Emergency response included over 20 personnel from New Shoreham fire and police departments, the rescue squad, and the Rhode Island Airport Corporation.
🔍 Investigation & Technical Details
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The aircraft, owned by Condair Flyers Inc., had made three landing attempts due to the short runway and challenging coastal wind conditions unique to Block Island .
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The FAA and the NTSB launched a formal investigation. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days; a final report could take up to a year .
🧑💼 Community Reactions & Legacy
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Montgomery County officials expressed deep sorrow and tributes began pouring in:
“Dan was a kind, smart, and patient man… he truly defined what it means to be a community servant.” — County Executive Pete Vroman ill create a huge void.” — Legislative Chairman Michael Pepe
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Wilson’s decades-long experience in civil engineering enriched his legislative contributions, particularly in public infrastructure planning and physical services.
📊 Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Wednesday, July 30, 2025 — Departure ~10:50 a.m.; Crash ~12:10 p.m. |
| Aircraft | Piper Cherokee (Condair Flyers Inc.) |
| Victim | Dan Wilson (77), District 5 Legislator, Montgomery County, NY |
| Other Passengers | Two men in their 70s; survived, transported to Rhode Island Hospital |
| Crash Circumstances | Third landing attempt, short runway, plane flipped and landed off-runway |
| Investigation | FAA & NTSB; preliminary report within ~30 days |
| Community Response | Officials mourned, praised his service and legacy |
🕯️ Final Thoughts
The loss of Dan Wilson—a respected public official and accomplished engineer—has profoundly affected both his local community in New York and beyond. The circumstances of the crash illustrate the inherent risks of small-aircraft landings in demanding environments such as Block Island. As the FAA and NTSB continue their investigation, findings may shed light on landing procedures, environmental factors, airport infrastructure, and human factors.