The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a preliminary report on the fatal plane crash that occurred at Saratoga County Airport on May 26, 2026. The report provides a detailed account of the incident, which claimed the life of the pilot, James Stewarta 58-year-old resident of Caroga Lake.
The crash involved a Piper PA-25-235 that was towing a glider. The NTSB’s findings confirm earlier reports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and offer a more comprehensive understanding of the sequence of events that led to the tragedy.
The Sequence of Events Leading to the Crash
According to the NTSB, surveillance video shows that the aircraft pair reached an altitude of approximately 200 feet when the glider pitched up and climbed above the plane. This action caused the plane’s tail to lift, resulting in a nose-down position. The glider pilot attempted multiple times to release from the towplane before successfully detaching and landing safely.
Unfortunately, the towplane was unable to recover from the maneuver and crashed onto the runway, where it caught fire. The intense flames consumed most of the plane, but investigators were able to recover several key components from the wreckage.
Key Findings from the Wreckage
The NTSB’s examination of the wreckage revealed several critical details. The landing gear had separated from the fuselage, while flight control surfaces remained attached, with some levers still in position. The engine was partially separated from the frame and extensively damaged, but investigators were able to turn the crankshaft, confirming that all six cylinders were functioning properly.
The mangled propeller was also found separated from the engine. Additionally, the tow rope was discovered about 25 feet before the point of impact. Tests confirmed that the mechanisms to detach the rope on both the plane and glider were intact and functional.
The Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
Pilot James Stewart sustained severe burn injuries in the crash and was initially taken to Saratoga Hospital. He was later transferred to Albany Medical Centerwhere he succumbed to his injuries on the same day as the accident. The NTSB continues to examine both aircraft as part of its ongoing investigation.
The preliminary report marks a significant step in understanding the circumstances surrounding the crash. As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge, providing further insights into the tragic incident at Saratoga County Airport.
