Plane crash tragedy

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -  

A tragic plane crash more than a thousand miles away, has left Buffalo's business and medical community heartbroken.

Hauptman-Woodward Medical Institute Chairman Donald Hess and his wife, Victoria, were killed when their small plane crashed in Florida.

We've learned the couple was heading to Tallahassee to visit Donald Hess' sister and her husband.

All four were planning to go to a homecoming football game together.

Donald Hess and his wife, Victoria flew on their private plane often.

The couple's family say he was an experienced pilot.

But something went terribly wrong just two miles away from Tallahassee's airport.

The small plane crashed into a house as it was approaching the runway.

"I was looking directly at the plane. I really thought I was gonna die and the only thing I could think to do was dive in the bushes. The plane was coming this way and I was trying to miss it like this."

The couple touched many lives with their generosity.

Their colleagues and friends say they leave behind a legacy of leadership and commitment.

Former Hauptman-Woodward Chairman Christopher Greene said, "As a board member brought some real skill to the position because unlike many of us who are board members, he had his background in technology and science."

Donald Hess became the chairman at Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute in 2000.

He was also active with the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Simply Audiobooks and many other institutions.

Walter Pangborn describes his interaction with people as refreshing.

Pangborn said, "He spent much more time in the institute than any other board member."