Small Planes Collide in Illinois; 1 Pilot Dead

Two small planes collided in mid-air Sunday morning before the start of the Illinois Valley Air Show, killing one of the pilots, authorities said.

The pilots were flying home-built aircraft to be displayed at the air show but were not part of the scheduled entertainment, said J. Michael Maloney, president of American Air Shows.

The planes touched as they were attempting to land, causing Christopher J. Good's aircraft to a crash in a field northeast of the Illinois Valley Regional Airport.

The 55-year-old pilot from West Bend, WI, died at the scene, said LaSalle County Coroner Jody Bernard.

After the collision, the other pilot was able to land his plane and declined medical treatment, police dispatcher Jamie Bradish said.

The air show, which began on Saturday, continued Sunday despite the crash.

This is the second year the event has been held in Peru, which is located about 90 miles southwest of Chicago.

The investigation into why the planes collided could take several months, Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Elizabeth Cory said.

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On the Net:

Illinois Valley Air Show: http://www.illinoisvalleyairshow.com

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