by KYW's Ian Bush
Friends and family are mourning three Montgomery County residents who died in yesterday's collision.
60-year-old Steven Altman of Ambler was piloting the plane. On board were his brother, 49-year-old Daniel Altman of Dresher, and Daniel's 16-year-old son, Doug (above, from left).
Doug was a student at Upper Dublin High School. More than 600 people have joined a Facebook group to remember him.
Dylan Reich, the creator of a YouTube video in memory of Doug, tells KYW Newsradio the teenager "was a great kid" -- "always happy" with a "contagious smile."
Remembrances also are being posted on Twitter. An instructor at a martial arts center in Flourtown says they're saddened by the passing of Doug, a blue belt; his father Daniel is described as an "outstanding black belt."
An uncle of the men tells the New York Daily News that the family's in shock over the loss. Irving Altman says both were "family oriented and very good businessmen."
Steven was the owner and Daniel the vice president of Altman Management Company, a real estate investment firm in Fort Washington.
Steven Altman's friend and fellow pilot Alan Bassman says he often volunteered for "Angel Flights" -- where he would pick up sick people and fly them to get specialized treatment:
"When I heard, it was just very, very said. We're a very close community -- not just at Wings [Field, in Blue Bell], but all our friends. He would help me. I had to fly my plane up to Altoona about a year ago, and he followed me out and brought me back."
Another friend and pilot, Arthur Wolk, says Altman will be missed:
"Very giving of his time, very well regarded in the pilot community here. Flew a lot. Well regarded around the airport, very experienced."
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