Story perspectives

FAA and NTSB Investigate Glider Crash That Killed Man

By Drooid · Sep 21, 2026, 3:00 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

New York State Police said 80-year-old James L. Morzillo died after his glider collided.
The collision occurred near Wheeler Road in Edinburg, Saratoga County at about 2:30 p.m. Friday.
The second glider was found at 4:54 p.m. Sept. 18 off Sand Lake Road, with the occupant deceased.
The FAA and NTSB are investigating the accident.
State Police Aviation, Forest Rangers, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and fire departments assisted the search.

History

Historical Context

The May 6 1937 Hindenburg fire over Lakehurst, New Jersey, killed 36 people and shattered confidence in passenger airships, prompting U.S. regulators to tighten safety rules for lighter-than-air craft. On September 18 2024 a glider collided near Wheeler Road in Edinburg, Saratoga County, launching a joint FAA-NTSB investigation. The historic precedent suggests tighter certification standards and coordinated emergency protocols will follow.

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Story summary

New York State Police said 80-year-old James L. Morzillo died after his glider collided.
The collision occurred near Wheeler Road in Edinburg, Saratoga County at about 2:30 p.m. Friday.
The second glider was found at 4:54 p.m. Sept. 18 off Sand Lake Road, with the occupant deceased.
The FAA and NTSB are investigating the accident.
State Police Aviation, Forest Rangers, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and fire departments assisted the search.

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