The pilot of a single engine plane died Friday, in a crash at the Stewart International airport. Time Warner Cable News reporter Jackson Wang has more on what happened, and on how the air show this weekend, will go on as planned.
NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. -- Jim West has taken photos at dozens of air shows. But one picture, seconds before the stunt plane crashed, will always stick with him.
"It all happened so fast, I didn't realize even that happened but then once I pulled the camera away, I saw it was debris coming down on the airfield," West said. "And then I watched the plane loop over and crash."
It was the moment the tail wing of an aerobatic airplane broke off-mid flight. Moments earlier, that same plane was doing stunts, and flying smoothly.
"Parts fell off, it dive straight down and soon after that, no loud sounds, just doff," said Joe Agosta, who saw the plane go down.
"It was pretty upsetting to see that because we thought it was part of the show as well," said Mike Fasano, who was watching from a nearby hill. "It looked like confetti coming out of the plane."
State police say the single pilot onboard died from the crash. No one on the ground was hurt. Officials say the plane was inspected by the FAA before taking practice.
"There were several aircrafts that we're going through a practice cycle," said Brendan Casey, of the New York State Police. "He was up there doing his practice run."
Police say it appears the plane experience a structural failure, causing the crash. All flying activities for the day were canceled. But officials say this weekend's Air Show will go on as planned.
"We've followed all the FAA protocol for safety," Casey said. "They approved everything that has to do with air shows."
"It's sad to see this the day before the air show weekend and none of us were expecting to see this," Fasano said.
As the NTSB continues to investigate this crash, pilot and his family will certainly be the thoughts and prayers of those taking part in this weekend's show.
State police say they are withholding the pilot's name until his family is notified. As for the air show, everything will still go on accordingly.