Pilot Coughlin Dies in Airshow Crash

Brian Coughlin, a veteran pilot and board member of the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum in New York, died when his World War I replica plane, a Fokker D.VIII, crashed and caught fire during an airshow. The incident occurred about 2,500 feet from the takeoff point, and initial investigations suggest mechanical issues caused the engine to catch fire. Coughlin, the sole occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene, and both the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the cause of the crash. The Aerodrome has canceled upcoming events to honor Coughlin’s memory, with many praising the organization for their respectful handling of the tragedy. This was not Coughlin's first aviation accident; he survived a similar crash in 2005, underscoring his lifelong passion for flying antique aircraft.