The community of Concordia, Kansas, is enveloped in grief as it bids farewell to one of its most cherished members, David A. Kadel, a 76-year-old aviation enthusiast whose vibrant spirit and generous heart left an indelible mark on all who knew him. On the evening of Sunday, August 24, 2025, tragedy struck when David’s ultralight Rans S-21 Airaile, a single-engine aircraft, crashed shortly after takeoff from Blosser Municipal Airport, cutting short a life defined by passion, kindness, and an unwavering love for the skies.
It was just after 7:26 p.m. when David, a seasoned pilot with a deep affinity for flight, lifted off from the Concordia airport, the hum of his ultralight plane echoing across the quiet plains of Cloud County. Moments later, a suspected mechanical issue sent the aircraft into a devastating nosedive, plummeting to the ground near 1674 N. 150th Road. Despite the swift response of emergency services, David suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Kansas Highway Patrol, alongside the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is now investigating the cause of the crash, piecing together the events that led to this heartbreaking loss.
David Kadel was more than a pilot—he was a cornerstone of Concordia, a man whose warmth and generosity radiated through every interaction. Known for his adventurous soul, he found solace and exhilaration in the boundless freedom of flight, a passion that defined much of his life. Friends recall his infectious enthusiasm for aviation, often sharing stories of his journeys in the sky, his eyes alight with the thrill of soaring above the rolling Kansas landscape. Yet, it was on the ground, among his neighbors and loved ones, that David’s true character shone brightest.
To those who knew him, David was a beacon of kindness, always ready with a helping hand or a word of encouragement. Whether he was volunteering in the community, offering wisdom to younger generations, or simply sharing a laugh over coffee, his presence was a gift. “David had this way of making everyone feel seen,” a close friend recounted, her voice thick with emotion. “He’d stop whatever he was doing to listen, to help, to make you smile.” His contributions to Concordia were countless, from supporting local events to quietly aiding those in need, always with a humility that endeared him to all.
The news of David’s passing has rippled through Concordia, leaving a profound void in the hearts of family, friends, and neighbors. His next of kin were notified by Concordia Police Chief Gering on the night of the accident, a somber moment that marked the beginning of a collective mourning. Tributes have poured in, painting a vivid picture of a man who lived life with purpose and joy. “He was the kind of person who made you believe in the good of the world,” said a neighbor, who remembered David’s knack for turning ordinary moments into lasting memories.
As the NTSB and FAA delve into the mechanical failure suspected to have caused the crash, the community’s focus remains on celebrating David’s legacy. His love for aviation was not just a hobby but a testament to his fearless pursuit of dreams, a reminder to those he left behind to embrace life with the same courage and zest. Stories of his laughter, his wisdom, and the countless ways he uplifted those around him are being shared in homes, churches, and gathering places across Concordia, each memory a thread in the rich tapestry of his life.
David A. Kadel’s spirit will forever soar over the plains of Kansas, carried in the hearts of those who loved him. As the community gathers to honor his memory, they find solace in the cherished moments they shared with him—moments filled with warmth, adventure, and an unshakable sense of community. May David rest in eternal peace, his legacy a guiding light for Concordia and beyond, and may his loved ones find comfort in the enduring love and memories they hold close.
