Richard McSpadden

[kevinallis]

For all us who have listened to AOPA's Vice President of the Safety Institute, Richard McSpadden, are all for sure deeply saddened to learn of his death in a plane crash just a few hours ago at Lake Placid. I've never missed anything this man has put out for us to read or listen too, in an effort to make us all better and safer pilots. RIP Richard!

 

[DubSky]

Richard was one of a kind. A world class pilot, outstanding flight instructor, and all-around leader.

 

[alim]

RIP.

One of the best videos :

 

[wab003]

This is a real loss to the aviation community. Always a voice of reason.

 

[j5gard]

Spad and I were both young Lieutenants flying F-15 in Okinawa in the mid 80's. He went on to command the Thunderbirds, followed by some industry work, culminating in the Air Safety Institute at AOPA. I flew with his brother at UPS after I left the Air Force. They both learned to fly from their father. A true aviation family, he will be missed.

The memorial service will be held on Oct 14 at the AOPA hangar in Fredericksburg MD. I'm not sure how it's set up but I would contact AOPA if you plan on attending.

 

[N4843W]

This was a shock, indeed. Met him twice and he was just a down to earth, excellent man. It is more than a little sobering to read that a man like this with all of his experience, hours, and a leader in light plane safety, died in a crash of a plane similar to ours in many way. It is difficult to believe he mad an avoidable mistake. Everyone will be anxious to learn what's in the ultimate report.

 

[steve267]

This was a shock, indeed. Met him twice and he was just a down to earth, excellent man. It is more than a little sobering to read that a man like this with all of his experience, hours, and a leader in light plane safety, died in a crash of a plane similar to ours in many way. It is difficult to believe he mad an avoidable mistake. Everyone will be anxious to learn what's in the ultimate report.

Just an FYI. Richard was in the right seat, the Pilot was Russ Francis in the left seat.

Stay safe.

 

[wiguy]

Yeah, there are a few varying factors being right seat in another’s plane. That alone can lead to discussion. I didn’t follow all the details, I thought there may of been an engine hiccup on taxi out, of some sort?

Yes, the accident is humbling, very tragic.

https://s30121.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Report_ERA24FA001_193166_10_20_2023-6_13_54-PM.pdf