Horror scene as dog-rescuing pilot is killed in mountain crash… leaving helpless puppy with two broken legs

A pilot known for flying dogs across the country for adoption has died after a plane crash in a remote area of ​​New York.

Seuk Kim, 49, died on impact – as was the case with one of the canines he carried in his Mooney M20J on Sunday.

Two managed to survive – found during a subsequent search of the crash site in the Catskill Mountains.

Police further revealed how Kim had transported the animals from Maryland to Albany – something not unusual for the father of three.

Numerous Facebook posts from the certified pilot show that he flies other rescues across the US and stores them in forever homes – no matter how far away they may be.

He lived nearly 400 miles from where his plane crashed around 6:10 p.m., sparking a frantic search for survivors.

One dog, a lab mix puppy, was found with two broken legs, while another, initially reported missing, was found the next day with minor injuries.

The animal was taken in for veterinary care, while Kim’s body was taken out for an autopsy. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) were still on scene Tuesday, police said.

Two dogs managed to survive, including this lab mix that was found with two broken legs

“The aircraft, initially reported as a Cessna, is actually a Mooney M20J. While investigators were working at the scene, they found the third dog with minor injuries,” according to the latest statement from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.

‘The dog was transported by Hyer Ground Rescue together with PAW (Partners for Animal Welfare) for veterinary care.

“The pilot was extricated and transported to Ellis Hospital for an autopsy.

“The NTSB and FAA are still on scene.”

Previous statements positively identified Kim as the pilot, with photos on his social media further identifying him in front of the same plane named by authorities.

Other reports show how he had hundreds of dogs rehomed without incident, while investigators are now investigating what caused the plane to crash.

The area where the plane crashed at that time had clear skies and no bad weather.

Photos shared Tuesday showed one of the four-legged survivors, the lab mix named Whiskey, being treated Tuesday at Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center. He is expected to make a full recovery.

The puppy, named Whiskey, was treated Tuesday at Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center

A day before – a day after the crash – a third dog that was initially reported missing was found the next day with minor injuries (seen here)

Kim was a licensed pilot known for flying dogs across the country – all to more efficiently find them forever homes. His body was taken for an autopsy, police said, adding only that he died on impact

The tributes pouring in since Kim’s death have portrayed him as a selfless animal lover who died doing what he loved. The FAA and NTSB are investigating the cause of the crash

He was the father of three children and a native of Burke, Virginia. He also leaves behind a wife, along with his two sons and a daughter

Meanwhile, tributes continued to pour in for Kim following his death, including from his eldest Leah, who is just 16.

“He died doing what he loved, which was saving animals,” she said Fox 5 DC Monday.

‘He always made sure he was available, because this was important to him.’

She added on social media: “Hug your loved ones all a little tighter because my dad didn’t wake up yesterday thinking it would be his last day on earth.”

Anna Kang, Kim’s wife, added in her own post: Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight. Please think of Seuk. Please reply and let me know how you crossed him.

“I want my children to know how selfless and wonderful their father was,” she concluded.

Christine Kim, another family member, added, “Seuk was more than just a pilot; he was a champion for others, a friend to all and a much-loved member of his family.

“His physical spirit, generous heart and endless capacity for love will be deeply missed by his wife, three children, parents, sibling, extended family and countless friends.

Just a month ago, Kim wrote about how he flew four dogs — one of which is seen here — from Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine in Tennessee to Virginia for adoption. His body was taken to Ellis Hospital in Schenectady for an autopsy, police said

Whiskey, who broke his two hind legs, can be seen here again on Tuesday. The FBI is investigating what caused the crash

“As we grieve, we take comfort in knowing that Seuk lived to the fullest, loved deeply and left a legacy of kindness and courage,” she added. “He reminds us to embrace life with enthusiasm, take bold leaps and always lend a hand to those in need.”

Just a month ago, Kim himself wrote about how he brought four dogs from Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine in Tennessee to Stafford, Virginia for adoption.

“I have flown hundreds of dogs and never one has chewed and gnawed through a crate to get out and stand on it, as proud as if she had conquered him,” he wrote in an accompanying photo.

“It could have ended badly if she wasn’t such a great dog,” said the former partner and vice president of public relations firm SunStar Strategic.

“Velma (the wiry escape artist) is available for adoption from the Stafford/Fredricksburg area if anyone is interested.”

His body was taken to Ellis Hospital in Schenectady for an autopsy, officials said.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the FAA for an update on their investigation.