NTSB Investigators Probe Fatal New York Plane Collision

WAWAYANDA, N.Y.-- Federal aviation safety investigators are 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 says investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are inspecting the wreckage Tuesday morning in the Orange County town of Wawayanda, about 60 miles north of New York City.

Authorities say the planes, both single-engine Pipers, collided Monday afternoon about 15 minutes after departing Orange County Airport en route to Sussex, N.J. The two pilots were the only ones on board the planes. Their 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.