SIDNEY, New York – A small plane crashed on Sunday afternoon in Delaware County, New York, according to transportation officials. The single-engine Piper PA-46, carrying five people, went down around 2 p.m. local time shortly after taking off from the Albert S. Nader Regional Airport in nearby Oneonta.
The victims were identified as Roger Beggs, 76, Laura VanEpps, 43, Ryan VanEpps, 42, James R. VanEpps, 12, and Harrison VanEpps, 10, all of whom were family members from Georgia attending a baseball tournament in Cooperstown.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with some details yet to be released. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is working in conjunction with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to determine the factors that led to the incident.
The Piper PA-46 is a popular aircraft used for general aviation purposes, including private and business travel. It is equipped with a single engine and can carry up to six passengers. The model has had a good safety record in recent years, but accidents can still occur.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities will gather information and examine the wreckage to piece together the events leading up to the crash.