Decision Made Following The Loss Of Brian Coughlin In Accident

The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, near Red Hook, New York, has canceled the remaining two Saturday air shows in the wake of the tragic accident that claimed the life of longtime volunteer, board member, and air show performer Brian Coughlin.

Coughlin was flying his reproduction World War I vintage Fokker D-VIII in the weekly Saturday air show when the engine caught fire and subsequently the airplane went down and burst into flames in a wooded area across the street from the airfield and museum. It is not known what started the engine fire, and the NTSB is onsite and investigating.

The plane went down at about 2:45 p.m. local time on October 5. The New York State Police, the Red Hook and Milan fire departments, Northern Dutchess Paramedics, and the FAA were on scene to lend assistance.

Brian Coughlin was 60 years old and lived in Cazenovia, Madison County, New York.

The museum is located in Dutchess County and has regular air shows with its vintage airplane collection, said no further information will be released until the investigations are completed. The museum will be closed on Saturday October 12, but will open for biplane rides and pumpkin painting for kids on Sunday October 13 and Saturday October 19.

The museum said it expects to open for its regular air show season in 2025.

FMI:  oldrhinebeck.org/