WILMINGTON, Essex County, N.Y., Nov. 7, 2026 — A woman died on Friday afternoon, November 6, after she was struck by a small aircraft at a privately owned airfield in Wilmington.
The agency said the aircraft, a 1943 Aeronca L3 single-engine, two-seat plane, hit the woman at Catalano Airfield at about 3:47 p.m. Investigators determined the plane had landed and was taxiing toward a hangar when the collision occurred.
State police identified the victim as 67-year-old Pamela M. Haselton of Wilmington. According to investigators, Haselton had set up a camera on a tripod on the runway to photograph the aircraft. As the plane approached, she reportedly tried to move the tripod out of its path. The pilot told investigators he did not see the camera or Haselton before the aircraft struck her.
Responders performed life-saving measures at the scene, but Haselton was pronounced dead there. New York State Police are investigating alongside the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, and the probe remains open.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
More on Crashes in Wilmington, NY
This fatal crash happened in Wilmington, NY. We cover crashes across Essex County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Essex County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do investigations into fatal aviation accidents typically take?
Federal aviation investigations usually take several months to more than a year, since agencies like the NTSB examine mechanical records, radio and flight data, and witness accounts before issuing findings.
What factors tend to make an aircraft accident fatal?
Outcomes usually depend on proximity to moving parts or the aircraft's path, visibility conditions for the pilot, and how quickly emergency responders can reach the scene.
Where do these kinds of accidents most frequently happen?
Ground-level aircraft accidents tend to occur near runways, taxiways, and hangar areas, where people and moving planes can be in close range during landing or taxiing.
