Pilot Dead After Glider Planes Collide Over Upstate New York
One aircraft crashed in a remote area of Edinburg, while the other landed safely at a nearby airport.
A pilot was killed Friday afternoon when two glider planes collided in the air over a rural area of upstate New York. One aircraft crashed in a wooded site near Edinburg, while the other managed to land safely at the Plateau Sky Ranch Airport.
The collision occurred shortly before 2:30 p.m. Both gliders were operated by a single pilot and had no other passengers. New York State Police and Forest Rangers located debris from the crashed aircraft around 5 p.m. The pilot of the downed glider was pronounced dead at the scene. The pilot of the glider that landed safely was uninjured.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident. According to the FAA, the crashed glider was a Schempp-Hirth Ventus, and the one that landed safely was a Schleicher AS24.
Edinburg is located approximately one hour north of Albany. The New York State Police issued an advisory for residents to avoid the area of Wheeler Road due to a significant police response.
Elayne Wade, owner of Plateau Sky Ranch Airport, told the Times Union that the pilot of the undamaged glider was "shaken but okay." Wade added that the pilot subsequently took another plane up to assist in searching for the other glider.
The NTSB's investigation will examine the pilot, the aircraft, and the operating conditions to determine the cause of the mid-air collision. This includes reviewing flight track data, recordings, maintenance records, weather information, the pilot's credentials and flight history, witness accounts, and surveillance video. A preliminary report is anticipated within 30 days, with a final report expected in 12 to 24 months.
