NEWS

For Immediate Release

August 31, 2026

Enfield Fire District Expresses Deep Gratitude to Mutual Aid Partners and Local Community Following Multi-Agency Response

ENFIELD, N.Y. — On the afternoon of Sunday, August 30, 2026, the Enfield Fire District was dispatched to a reported aircraft emergency and located a downed 1977 Lake LA-4-200 aircraft in the 100 block of N. Applegate Road. A massive multi-agency effort was immediately initiated, bringing more than 30 emergency apparatus and personnel from across Tompkins County and neighboring regions to assist with complex, extended extrication operations on scene.

Despite the rapid deployment and dedicated rescue efforts of all personnel involved, both individuals aboard the aircraft tragically succumbed to their injuries. The Commissioners, Officers, and Members of the Enfield Fire District extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking loss.

An incident of this scale represents a high-risk, low-frequency event for a small volunteer agency. Managing an operation of this magnitude relies entirely on seamless regional collaboration and mutual aid support. The Enfield Fire District wishes to formally acknowledge and extend its sincere gratitude to the following entities for their vital assistance:

County Command, Dispatch & Air Support: Tompkins County 911 Emergency Communications Center (Department of Emergency Response), Tompkins County Emergency Management Coordinators, and the responding medical helicopter flight crew.
Responding Fire & Rescue Partners: Trumansburg Fire Department, Ithaca Fire Department, Mecklenburg Volunteer Fire Department, and Ithaca Tompkins International Airport Crash Fire Rescue (CFR).
Emergency Medical Services:Bangs Ambulance, who responded with multiple units to provide critical medical support and assist on-scene emergency operations during the extended extrication.
Law Enforcement Partners:Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, New York State Park Police, and assisting law enforcement agencies.
Local Community Support: The affected homeowner, whose extraordinary hospitality and open support were invaluable to responders during the extended extrication process on scene.

"An event of this severity tests every facet of our local emergency response system," said Fire Chief Jamie Stevens."From the initial 911 dispatch calls to the long hours on scene in the 100 block of N. Applegate Road, the professionalism, technical skill, and interoperability displayed by our dispatchers, neighboring fire departments, EMS, law enforcement, county coordinators, and community members were exceptional. We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support brought to our district during this extended operation."

The investigation into the cause of the accident remains ongoing under the direction of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Media Contact:

Jamie Stevens

Fire Chief, Enfield Fire District

607-342-2924

Jstevens712@msn.com