A fatal plane crash occurred at the Kobelt Airport in the hamlet of Wallkill, within the Town of Shawangunk, on Sept. 27.

New York State Police responded at 2:55 p.m. to a report of a small single-engine airplane crash.

While attempting to take off, troopers said, the plane caught fire. The pilot, Gerald Cotter, 80, of Milford, New Jersey, was found dead at the scene.

Cotter was the only person on board the plane.

The Federal Aviation Administration has been notified, and the investigation is ongoing.

Contact reporter Nickie Hayes: NHayes@poughkee.gennett.com , 845-863-3518 and @nickiehayess on Instagram.

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