Aerodrome season cancelled after pilot killed during airshow
Brian Coughlin, a longtime volunteer and board member at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, was killed on Saturday, October 5, 2024 when the World War I-replica plane he was piloting caught fire and crashed into the woods shortly after the start of the afternoon airshow.
Coughlin, 60, was the sole occupant of the Fokker D.VIII replica plane. Red Hook Police say the plane’s engine ignited due to “unknown mechanical issues.” The Federal Aviation Agency has been informed and is investigating further.
Spectators at the popular weekend airshow said the incident was “horrific” as the plane “caught fire in flight, crashed at the southend of the runway.”
The remainder of the 2024 season and special events at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, including this weekend’s upcoming Ghost Tours and Saturday’s air show, have been cancelled.
Biplane rides will be available Monday – Friday by appointment for the remainder of October. On Saturday October 19, 2024 - Museum open, biplane rides available, pumpkin painting for kids, and Sunday October 20, 2024, the museum will be open, with further details to be announced.
The Aerodrome says it will hold a memorial for Coughlin at the start of the 2025 season.
“We thank everyone for their continued support. Your outpouring of love and kind messages has been wonderful. Please join us in looking forward to the 2025 air show season. We are certain it will be one for the ages for us, for you and for our fallen member Brian Coughlin.”
For show schedule updates, visit https://oldrhinebeck.org
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