Uploaded October 2023 | Updated September 2026, 14 hours ago
We are deeply saddened to report that Richard McSpadden Jr., AOPA Senior Vice President, died in an aircraft accident outside Lake Placid, New York, on Sunday afternoon. The Cardinal 177 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.
Richard was a very accomplished pilot, including serving as Commander of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds during his military career, a trusted colleague, friend, son, husband, and father.
Richard is survived by his wife, Judy; his son, Grant; and his daughter, Annabel.
Our thoughts are with Richard’s family at this time.
We will provide more details as they are available.
We are deeply saddened to report that Richard McSpadden Jr., AOPA Senior Vice President, died in an aircraft accident outside Lake Placid, New York, on Sunday afternoon. The Cardinal 177 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.
Richard was a very accomplished pilot, including serving as Commander of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds during his military career, a trusted colleague, friend, son, husband, and father.
Richard is survived by his wife, Judy; his son, Grant; and his daughter, Annabel.
Our thoughts are with Richard’s family at this time.
We will provide more details as they are available.
