Richard McSpadden was popular as the Senior Vice President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Sadly, he passed away on Sunday, 1 October 2023 in a fatal aircraft accident.
The SVP of the Air Safety institute died in a plane crash. Had an emergency on take off and didn’t make it back to the runway. This is the kind of thing to make pilots think hard about the risks. https://t.co/Fl1h5DLzPi
— Scott Manley (@DJSnM) October 2, 2023
The aircraft in which Richard was traveling crashed outside Lake Placid, New York on Sunday afternoon. As per reports, the aircraft experienced an emergency after takeoff.
After the horrific news, AOPA issued a statement which read,
We are deeply saddened to report that Richard McSpadden died in an aircraft accident outside Lake Placid, New York, on Sunday afternoon. The Cessna 177 Cardinal in which Richard was in the right seat experienced an emergency after takeoff. The airplane attempted to return to the airport but failed to make the runway. Both occupants lost their lives.
Richard was a very accomplished pilot, including serving as commander of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds during his military career, and a trusted colleague, friend, son, husband, and father.
Our thoughts are with Richard’s family at this time.
We will provide more details as they are available.
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As the tragic incident has left everyone shocked, we can expect more details in the coming days.
REST IN PEACE Richard McSpadden!
For now, let’s learn about Richard McSpadden Wikipedia, wife, married, age, parents, family, net worth, job, bio, education, ethnicity, and other interesting facts.
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Richard McSpadden Wikipedia: Age, Parents, Ethnicity, Education
Richard Gibson McSpadden was born in June 1960 in Panama City, Florida, the United States. He was 63 years of age when he died tragically on 1 October 2023.
Talking about his family, Richard was raised by his parents alongside his brother. His brother is a UPS 747 captain. Richard’s father inspired both him and his brother to pursue their careers in aviation.
As a teenager, Richard and his brother started building model airplanes and flying hand-toggled airplanes around in a circle. He then hooked as a junior in college where she saw how much his father enjoyed his flying lessons.
Richard then completed his bachelor’s degree in Economics at the University of Georgia in 1983. After that, he earned his master’s degree in Public Administration at Troy University in 2000.
With American nationality, Richard had white ethnicity.
Richard McSpadden Job and Net Worth
Richard was actively involved as the Senior Vice President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) before his unfortunate demise. He joined AOPA back in February 2017.
Prior to that, Richard served at Hewlett Packard Enterprise for 11 years and 8 months. He first worked there as a Director of Business Development from July 2005 to January 2009.
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Following that, Richard served in the position of Director of Account General Manager from January 2009 to August 2013. He was then the Senior Director/Program Manager of Data Center Operations, DOD, and Govt Agencies from August 2013 to January 2016.
From January 2016 to February 2017, Richard served at Hewlett Packard Enterprise as an Executive Program Director of Operational Transformation.
Richard previously worked as a Commander/Flight Leader at United States Air Force Thunderbirds for 2 years and 2 months from January 2022 to February 2004. Working there, he managed over $250 million in assets and an $11 million annual budget and led 126 flight performances flying the #1 aircraft.
Although he enjoyed a successful professional career, Richard’s actual net worth was never revealed.
Richard McSpadden Married Life: Meet His Wife and Kids
Richard was happily married for a long time. He and his wife, Judy McSpadden shared their wedding vows many years ago.
After walking down the aisle together, Richard and his wife welcomed two wonderful kids. They have a son named Grant McSpadden and a daughter named Annabel McSpadden.
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Richard was very close to his family. He received immense love and support from his wife and he even taught his son how to fly.
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With Richard’s unfortunate death, his wife and children are finding it difficult to get out of this tragic situation.
