NTSB Investigates Wreckage From Mid-Air Collision In New Hampton

WAWAYANDA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Federal aviation safety investigators were in a densely wooded area in upstate New York where two small planes collided and crashed after taking off from a local airport, killing both pilots.

State police Capt. Joseph Tripodo said investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board were inspecting the wreckage Tuesday morning in the Orange County town of Wawayanda, about 60 miles north of New York City.

Authorities said the planes, both single-engine Pipers, collided Monday afternoon around 3 p.m. in New Hampton about 15 minutes after departing Orange County Airport. Witnesses said the planes clipped their wings.

The collision killed two pilots and scattered debris for half a mile.

According to officials, the two pilots flew one plane from Sussex, New Jersey to Orange County Airport, where they picked up another plane, before heading back to New Jersey.

The pilots' names haven't been released.

The planes crashed about 200 yards apart on muddy ground. Emergency crews had to use all-terrain vehicles to reach the wreckages.

What do you think the NTSB will find in its investigation? Leave a comment below…

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