On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, a small Piper Cherokee carrying retired construction executive and Montgomery County Legislator Dan Wilson and two companions crashed while attempting to land at Block Island State Airport in Rhode Island

• On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, a small Piper Cherokee carrying retired construction executive and Montgomery County Legislator Dan Wilson and two companions crashed while attempting to land at Block Island State Airport in Rhode Island

• The plane made three landing attempts before it went down just after 12:10 p.m., crashing east of the runway

• Two other passengers survived but were injured and hospitalized at Rhode Island Hospital; they are expected to recover

🕯️ Dan Wilson: Career & Community Impact

• Dan Wilson, aged 77, served as a longstanding member of the Montgomery County Legislature, representing District 5 (which includes the town of Florida, NY)

• Professionally, he was a construction manager for BBL Construction in Albany.

• He was deeply involved in local aviation history—serving as president of the Empire State Aerosciences Museum and active in Condair Flyers Inc., a nonprofit flying club based at Albany International Airport

💬 Family Confirmation & Personal Reflections

• Wilson’s son, Dan Wilson II, confirmed on Thursday morning that his father was the victim killed in the crash

• The flights were casual—Dan Sr. and longtime friend Karl Doll (also aboard the flight and reportedly needing surgery) often flew for day trips to nearby states, jokingly dubbed “flying for a hamburger” by his son

• The elder Wilson is survived by several children; one child who had planned to join the flight canceled at the last moment, a fact the family is profoundly thankful for

• Fondly described by his brother George Wilson as “the glue that held the family together,” Dan was a kind and positive community figure. George remarked that his brother “would have said he died doing what he loved”

🏛️ Official Reactions & Legacy

• Montgomery County Executive Pete Vroman and Legislative Chairman Michael J. Pepe issued a joint tribute:

  “Dan was a kind, smart and patient man… On behalf of all of us at Montgomery County, we extend our deepest condolences, prayers and love to the Wilson family.”

• Wilson will be interred in Troy, in Oakwood Cemetery, alongside his late wife, Jill

📑 Summary Table

🧭 In Context

This was a local crash involving a public official whose life and service touched many across Montgomery County. As District 5 Legislator, Dan Wilson had a reputation for community service and civic engagement. His passion for aviation and museum leadership reflected a life lived fully across sectors—transportation, local government, and educational outreach.

🙏 Final Thoughts

Dan Wilson’s sudden passing has left a void in both his family and the Montgomery County community. Known as a steady leader, he balanced a deep love for flying with a devotion to public service. His contributions—from legislating on the County Legislature to preserving aviation heritage—leaved a legacy that will endure. As investigations continue, his family and local officials are preparing for memorial services and official tributes.