By Crash News Writer 
Harrietstown, NY (July 20, 2026) – Three people, including a 2-year-old child, were killed when a small plane crashed shortly after taking off from Adirondack Regional Airport in Northern New York on July 13. The victims were identified as pilot Gabriel P. Jasper, 70, of Toms River, New Jersey, and passengers Gabriella M. Hillgrube, 33, and Guiliana M. Hillgrube, 2, both of Forked River, New Jersey.
According to the New York State Police, authorities were notified at approximately 11:15 p.m. of a downed aircraft near Hearf’s Way and State Route 186, close to Adirondack Regional Airport. The twin-engine Piper Aerostar had departed the airport shortly after 10:30 p.m. and reportedly lost communication soon afterward.
Search crews located the aircraft in a wooded area along a portion of the Adirondack Rail Trail approximately two miles from the airport, northwest of Saranac Lake. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and a post-crash fire. Jasper, Gabriella Hillgrube, and Guiliana Hillgrube were pronounced dead at the scene.
Federal aviation officials confirmed that the crash occurred during takeoff. The National Transportation Safety Board recovered the aircraft as part of the investigation. The affected section of the Adirondack Rail Trail between McMaster Road and State Route 186 was temporarily closed following the crash. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
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A fatal aviation accident can involve complex investigations, multiple agencies, insurance policies, aircraft maintenance records, flight data, and other evidence that may take considerable time to analyze. Families affected by such incidents may need to preserve records and understand their legal options while federal and state authorities determine what occurred. Relevant evidence may include maintenance logs, pilot records, communications, weather information, aircraft components, insurance documents, and investigative findings.
Although this incident involved an aircraft rather than an automobile, families seeking broader information about injury and wrongful death issues can review car accident laws in New York for state-specific legal resources and general information about pursuing compensation after a fatal accident. Acting promptly can help families preserve available documentation and understand deadlines that may apply.
People searching for a car accident near me or a car accident near Harrietstown may also be looking for local legal and victim-support resources after a serious incident. A second search for car accident near me or car accident near Harrietstown can help identify additional services. While a car accident report applies specifically to roadway incidents, aviation crashes generally involve specialized reports from federal investigators. Consulting qualified legal counsel can help families determine which records should be requested and what legal options may be available.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article is based on preliminary information released by state and federal authorities and published reports available at the time of writing. The investigation into the cause of the plane crash remains ongoing, and findings may change as investigators examine the recovered aircraft and other evidence. Readers seeking general legal information can review frequently asked questions in New York.
Authorities identified those who died as Gabriel P. Jasper, Gabriella M. Hillgrube, and Guiliana M. Hillgrube. Additional findings concerning the cause of the crash, aircraft systems, flight conditions, or other contributing factors may be released after the investigation progresses. Those seeking further support information can review accident resources in New York.
The content of this news story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports at the time of publication, and details may change as investigations progress. Readers are encouraged to seek legal counsel if they or someone they know has been involved in a similar incident. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this article. Learn more with our disclaimer.
Families affected by a fatal aviation accident should consider calling a New York personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss their rights, potential claims, and important legal deadlines.