Fredrick Baber Obituary, Death – Authorities in Saratoga County have identified the pilot who lost his life in a small plane incident that took place on Halloween morning in Milton, New York. According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, the pilot was 58-year-old Fredrick Baber from Port Charlotte, Florida. The passenger, Alexander Hoff, age 39, from New Hampshire, was also on board and sustained significant injuries.
The unfortunate incident occurred around 10:24 a.m. on October 31 along Wyndham Way, a quiet residential area. Sheriff Michael Zurlo said during a press briefing that the aircraft came down after striking a tree, eventually landing in a driveway. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene after receiving multiple 911 calls from nearby residents who had witnessed the plane descending.
When deputies and local fire crews reached the area, they found that the aircraft had suffered heavy damage. The passenger, Hoff, had been thrown from the plane due to the impact. He was promptly provided medical assistance before being airlifted to Albany Medical Center for further treatment. Officials confirmed that Hoff was still hospitalized as of Saturday, November 1, though no additional details regarding his condition were released.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have joined forces with the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office to conduct a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Their work involves examining the wreckage, reviewing weather conditions, analyzing the plane’s maintenance history, and gathering information about the pilot’s flight record. These agencies will also assess whether any mechanical or environmental factors could have contributed to the incident.
Sheriff Zurlo emphasized during his remarks that it would take time to determine exactly what led to the crash, as investigations of this nature require careful examination of all available evidence. “Our goal is to ensure that every detail is understood so we can provide answers to the families involved and prevent similar tragedies in the future,” he said.
Neighbors in the area described the scene as chaotic but praised first responders for their swift actions. Several residents said they saw the small plane flying unusually low before hearing a loud crash followed by smoke rising from the site. Local fire departments quickly extinguished the small fire that broke out after impact, preventing further damage to nearby homes.
The residential area where the plane went down was temporarily closed off while investigators collected debris and documented evidence. Crews worked through much of the day to secure the scene and remove the damaged aircraft. Authorities assured the public that there was no ongoing danger in the neighborhood following the crash.
Friends and acquaintances of Fredrick Baber described him as an experienced pilot who often flew small aircraft recreationally. Those close to him expressed deep sadness over his passing, saying he had a lifelong love for aviation. “Fredrick was careful, skilled, and passionate about flying,” said one longtime friend. “It’s hard to believe something like this happened.”
Officials have not yet confirmed the purpose of the flight or where it originated, but preliminary reports suggest it may have been a private or personal trip. The investigation will likely focus on whether weather conditions, aircraft maintenance, or a sudden mechanical failure may have played a role.
As the community processes the loss, Sheriff Zurlo extended condolences to the families affected and thanked all emergency personnel who responded quickly to the scene. “This has been a difficult and emotional situation for everyone,” he said. “Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones and the injured passenger as he continues to recover.”
Authorities expect to release more details once the FAA and NTSB complete their findings, a process that could take several weeks or months. In the meantime, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office continues to work closely with federal investigators to bring clarity to this tragic Halloween day event.
