It happened during a promotion for the American Airpower Museum, celebrating 75 Years of Thunder, celebrating Republic Aviation fighter aircraft produced in Farmingdale.

According to The Poughkeepsie Journal, three planes departed from the Republic Airport in Farmingdale, on Long Island, last evening, but only 2 returned safely. The third plane, a single-seat, vintage WWII plane piloted by 56-year-old Bill Gordon, former chief pilot as well as chief mechanic for the Rhinebeck Aerodrome, crashed Friday evening a little after 7 pm in the Hudson River between New York and New Jersey.

The New York Police Department were on the scene shortly after the crash and located and secured the plane submerged in the waters. Rescue divers searched for almost three hours before finding the pilot's body. The wreckage of the P-47 Thunderbolt is expected to be raised later on today.

Our hearts are heavy this morning and our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill's family and friends.

 

 

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