A plane crash in New York’s Catskill Mountains has left pilot Seuk Kim, 49, and one rescue dog dead, while two other dogs survived with injuries. Kim was flying from Maryland to Albany on Sunday evening when his small aircraft went down in a remote, snow-covered area near Windham, about 35 miles southwest of Albany. Preliminary investigations indicate that Kim died on impact. The crash occurred after pilots reported poor visibility and turbulence, and rescuers discovered the wreckage late that night.
Kim, a resident of Springfield, Virginia, was transporting three dogs as part of a nonprofit initiative that uses volunteer pilots to relocate rescue animals from overcrowded shelters. Rescuers found Whiskey, a Labrador-mix puppy, who had suffered broken bones and was frightened, burrowed in the snow. The other, an 18-month-old Yorkshire terrier mix named Pluto, sustained minor injuries. Veterinary professionals took both animals to a hospital in Connecticut, where they are receiving care.
Tributes for Kim highlight his dedication to rescuing animals, with praise from Maggie Pryor and Cathay West for his life-saving efforts.
Originally from South Korea, Kim immigrated to the United States to build a meaningful life, his family stated. Known for his kindness and selflessness, he left a lasting legacy in the lives of those he helped, both human and animal.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash, which occurred amid challenging weather conditions. Kim had requested a change in altitude to avoid turbulence shortly before the incident. Rescuers found the wreckage, which lay two miles from the nearest road, surrounded by about a foot of snow. Authorities continue to examine the cause of this devastating accident.
(By Ankita Singh, Web Team at C6N)
