By Crash News Writer 
Wilmington, NY (November 8, 2026) – A 67-year-old woman died Friday afternoon, November 6, after being struck by a small airplane at Catalano Airfield in Wilmington, New York. According to New York State Police, the woman was photographing the aircraft on the runway when the plane approached and struck her.
The fatal accident occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m. at Catalano Airfield in upstate New York. Investigators reported that a single-engine, two-seat airplane had landed at the airfield and was traveling toward a hangar when the collision occurred.
Authorities identified the deceased woman as Pamela Haselton, 67. According to state police, Haselton was standing on the runway taking photographs of the aircraft using a camera mounted on a tripod. Investigators said Haselton attempted to move the tripod out of the airplane’s path as the aircraft approached. However, the pilot reportedly did not see her before the plane struck her.
State police confirmed that Haselton died following the collision. Authorities have not released additional information about the injuries she sustained or whether emergency medical personnel attempted lifesaving treatment at the scene. The aircraft was described as a single-engine plane with seating for two people. Investigators have not released the aircraft’s make, model, registration number, or the identity of the pilot.
Officials also have not explained how quickly the airplane was moving when the collision occurred. The available report does not indicate whether the pilot attempted to brake or take other action before the impact. According to the preliminary information, the airplane had already landed and was moving toward a hangar. The collision therefore occurred during ground movement rather than while the aircraft was airborne.
Investigators have not disclosed whether the pilot and Haselton had communicated before the accident or whether the pilot knew she was photographing the plane. Authorities also have not released information about the airfield’s procedures for people entering or standing near active aircraft movement areas.
The New York State Police are investigating the accident with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). These agencies may examine the aircraft’s movements, the circumstances surrounding the collision, and applicable aviation safety procedures.
Authorities have not announced any criminal charges or identified a confirmed violation of aviation regulations. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not released a final determination concerning the cause of the accident. The death of Haselton highlights the serious risks that can arise when people and moving aircraft occupy the same area. Even after landing, an airplane can cause severe injuries to someone standing in its path.
Additional information may become available as investigators review the evidence and determine the circumstances that led to the fatal collision.
Understanding Your Rights After a Fatal Airfield Accident in New York
Accidents involving airplanes do not always occur during takeoff or flight. Serious injuries can also happen while aircraft are moving on the ground, including when pilots travel between runways, parking areas, and hangars.
When an aircraft strikes someone on the ground, investigators may need to examine the pilot’s visibility, the aircraft’s movements, communication procedures, and the location of people near the runway.
These investigations can involve state law enforcement agencies and federal aviation authorities because aircraft operations are subject to safety regulations that differ from ordinary motor vehicle traffic laws.
Under New York law, surviving family members may have grounds to pursue compensation when a person’s death results from another party’s legally actionable negligence. However, determining responsibility after an aviation accident requires a careful examination of the circumstances and applicable laws.
In the Wilmington accident, investigators reported that Haselton was photographing a plane on the runway when the aircraft approached. Police said she attempted to move her tripod, but the pilot did not see her before the collision.
The available information does not establish whether the pilot, airfield operator, or another party violated a legal duty.
What Causes Accidents Involving Aircraft Moving on the Ground?
Aircraft ground accidents can occur when a moving airplane comes into contact with another aircraft, a vehicle, equipment, or a person.
Pilots must maintain awareness of their surroundings while operating aircraft on the ground. However, visibility can vary depending on the aircraft’s design, the pilot’s seating position, and the surrounding environment.
Some aircraft have areas that are difficult for a pilot to see directly from the cockpit. The extent of these visibility limitations depends on the specific aircraft and operating conditions.
Ground operations may also involve communication between pilots, airfield personnel, and other people working near aircraft.
At smaller airfields, the procedures for coordinating ground movement may differ from those used at larger commercial airports. The applicable requirements depend on the airfield’s facilities, operating environment, and federal aviation rules.
In the Wilmington accident, the plane was traveling toward a hangar after landing. Haselton was reportedly standing on the runway with a camera and tripod when the aircraft approached.
Investigators have not disclosed whether visibility limitations, communication problems, or other operational factors contributed to the collision.
The fact that the pilot reportedly did not see Haselton is an important part of the preliminary account, but it does not independently establish the legal cause of the accident.
What Responsibilities Do Pilots Have During Ground Operations?
Pilots are responsible for operating aircraft in accordance with applicable aviation regulations and exercising reasonable care under the circumstances.
Federal aviation rules establish requirements concerning aircraft operations, including certain restrictions on careless or reckless conduct.
Under 14 C.F.R. § 91.13, federal regulations prohibit operating an aircraft in a careless or reckless manner that endangers another person’s life or property. The regulation also addresses aircraft operations on the surface of an airport used for air commerce.
Whether a particular regulation applies to an accident depends on the circumstances, the airfield, and the aircraft’s operation.
Pilots may need to account for people, equipment, vehicles, and other aircraft when moving toward a parking area or hangar.
However, a collision does not automatically establish that the pilot violated federal aviation regulations. Investigators must determine what the pilot could reasonably observe, what procedures applied, and whether the pilot acted appropriately under the circumstances.
In the Wilmington incident, state police reported that the pilot did not see Haselton before striking her. Authorities have not released findings concerning the pilot’s actions or whether any aviation regulations were violated.
Can an Airfield Operator Be Responsible for a Ground Accident?
Depending on the circumstances, an airfield operator may have responsibilities concerning the safe use of its facilities.
These responsibilities may involve controlling access to certain areas, maintaining appropriate signs, or establishing procedures for aircraft and people using the property.
However, the specific duties of an airfield operator depend on the nature of the facility, applicable regulations, and the circumstances surrounding an accident.
Not every accident occurring at an airfield creates legal responsibility for the property owner or operator.
For example, investigators may need to determine whether a person was permitted to be in the area, whether the operator knew people were present, and whether any applicable safety procedures were followed.
In the Wilmington accident, Haselton was reportedly photographing an airplane from the runway. Authorities have not disclosed whether she had permission to be in that location or whether any airfield personnel were aware of her presence.
Investigators also have not released information about Catalano Airfield’s access policies or procedures for photographers.
Without those details, it would be premature to determine whether the airfield operator had any legal responsibility for the collision.
Can Surviving Family Members File a Wrongful Death Claim in New York?
New York law allows a wrongful death action when a person’s death results from legally actionable conduct that would have supported a claim had the person survived.
Under New York Estates, Powers and Trusts Law § 5-4.1, a wrongful death action is generally brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate for the benefit of qualifying distributees.
Potential damages may include funeral expenses, certain medical expenses, lost financial support, and other legally recognized pecuniary losses.
New York wrongful death law generally focuses on financial losses suffered by surviving beneficiaries. The types of damages available differ from those permitted under the laws of some other states.
A separate survival claim may also be available under applicable circumstances for certain losses or injuries experienced by the deceased person before death.
In the Wilmington accident, Haselton died after being struck by an aircraft. Whether her estate or surviving family members have grounds to pursue compensation depends on evidence establishing whether another party was legally responsible.
The involvement of federal aviation authorities does not automatically establish negligence or create a right to compensation.
New York generally provides two years from the date of death to commence a wrongful death action, although exceptions and additional requirements may apply.
Other claims, including certain survival actions or claims involving government entities, may be subject to different legal procedures and deadlines.
How Does Comparative Negligence Apply to Aviation Accidents?
New York follows a pure comparative negligence system under Civil Practice Law and Rules § 1411.
Under this rule, a person’s compensation may be reduced according to the percentage of fault attributed to that person. Partial responsibility does not automatically prevent recovery in ordinary negligence cases.
Comparative negligence may become relevant when investigators determine that the actions of more than one person contributed to an accident.
For example, an investigation involving a pedestrian and a moving aircraft may examine whether the pilot maintained reasonable awareness and whether the person on the ground followed applicable safety procedures.
These are general considerations and do not establish responsibility in the Wilmington accident.
State police reported that Haselton attempted to move her camera tripod as the plane approached. However, authorities have not released information about her access to the runway, any warnings that may have been provided, or the airfield’s operating procedures.
The available evidence does not establish whether comparative negligence will be relevant to any potential civil claim.
Determining responsibility requires evaluating the actions of those involved under the applicable legal standards.
What Role Do the FAA and NTSB Play in an Aviation Accident Investigation?
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have different responsibilities concerning aviation safety.
The FAA regulates civil aviation and may examine whether applicable aviation rules or operating requirements were followed.
The NTSB investigates qualifying transportation accidents and may examine the circumstances surrounding an event to identify safety issues and determine probable cause when it conducts a formal investigation.
Not every aviation-related incident results in the same level of federal investigation. The scope of an investigation depends on the circumstances and the agencies’ responsibilities.
In the Wilmington accident, New York State Police confirmed that they are working with the FAA and NTSB. Authorities have not explained the precise scope of each agency’s involvement.
Investigators may review witness statements, aircraft information, photographs, and other available evidence to determine what happened.
They may also examine the aircraft’s ground movements and the circumstances surrounding Haselton’s presence on the runway.
Federal safety investigations serve purposes that differ from civil lawsuits. An agency’s involvement does not automatically establish legal responsibility or determine whether a surviving family may recover damages.
What Evidence Matters After a Fatal Airfield Collision?
Evidence collected after an aircraft ground accident may help investigators determine the aircraft’s path and the events leading up to the impact.
Photographs of the accident scene, aircraft position, runway conditions, and nearby equipment may provide information about the collision.
Witness statements may also be important, particularly if someone observed the aircraft’s movements or saw Haselton photographing the plane.
Depending on what equipment was available, investigators may review security recordings, aircraft information, and other records documenting activity at the airfield.
The camera and tripod may also be relevant to understanding where Haselton was standing and what occurred immediately before the impact.
However, authorities have not disclosed what evidence was recovered from the scene or whether photographs or recordings captured the collision.
Medical and investigative records may help establish the circumstances surrounding the death, subject to applicable access and privacy rules.
The New York State Police, FAA, and NTSB are continuing their work. Until investigators release additional findings, questions concerning the precise cause of the collision and potential legal responsibility remain unresolved.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article reflects information reported by WCAX and Gray News on November 7, 2026, including statements attributed to the New York State Police. The fatal collision occurred Friday afternoon, November 6, at Catalano Airfield in Wilmington, New York.
- Woman identified: Authorities identified the deceased woman as Pamela Haselton, 67. She was reportedly photographing an airplane on the runway when the aircraft approached and struck her.
- Accident location and time: The collision occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m. Friday at Catalano Airfield in Wilmington. State police reported that the aircraft had landed and was moving toward a hangar when the accident happened.
- Aircraft involved: Investigators described the plane as a single-engine aircraft with seating for two people. Authorities have not released the aircraft’s make, model, registration number, or pilot’s identity.
- Circumstances reported: Police said Haselton attempted to move her camera tripod out of the aircraft’s path as the plane approached. Investigators reported that the pilot did not see her before the collision.
- Cause under investigation: Authorities have not identified a confirmed violation of aviation regulations or announced criminal charges. Readers can review our frequently asked questions in New York for additional information about accident-related claims.
- Multiple agencies involved: New York State Police are working with the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board to investigate the accident. Surviving families can explore accident resources in New York for additional information about their rights.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Information reflects publicly available reports and may change as investigators release additional findings. No determination of negligence, regulatory violations, or civil liability should be assumed from the circumstances described. Please review our disclaimer for further details.
Fatal aviation accidents involving people on the ground can leave surviving families facing funeral expenses, financial losses, and difficult questions about what caused the collision. New York law establishes specific requirements for wrongful death claims, comparative negligence, and potential claims involving property operators or other parties. A New York personal injury lawyer can review the available evidence, explain applicable filing deadlines, and discuss whether surviving family members may have grounds to pursue compensation following a fatal aircraft accident.