Posted by Guardian on
A PILOT died yesterday in Peru as two small planes collided in mid-air.
A PILOT died yesterday in Peru as two small planes collided in mid-air.
According to the Associated Press (AP), disclosed that the incident happened in the morning before the start of the Illinois Valley Air Show.
While police and the United States Federal Aviation Administration said they believed the planes were practising for the air show, an official with the event's organiser said the pilots were not part of the scheduled entertainment.
The planes were among four that left Poplar Grove, Illinois, to be displayed at the air show, said J. Michael Maloney, president of American Air Shows.
As they were attempting to land, one plane touched another, causing a crash in a field northeast of the Illinois Valley Regional Airport, he said.
After the collision, the other pilot was able to land his plane and declined medical treatment, police dispatcher Jamie Bradish said.
Maloney said the air show, which began at the weekend, was expected to be held on Sunday but got under way about two hours late.
This is the second year the event has been held in Peru, which is located about 90 miles southwest of Chicago.