2 Small Planes Collide At Carroll County Airport

WESTMINSTER, Md. (WJZ) -- Midair collision. Two planes clip wings while landing at an airport in Carroll County.

Ron Matz has the latest on the investigation into what caused the crash.

It happened just before 4 p.m. Saturday when investigators say two small planes got too close to each other at Carroll County Regional Airport.

Maryland State Police say a white Piper Single low wing plane was attempting to land at Carroll County Regional Airport when it was struck by an Aerobatic Biplane. Word of the collision spread quickly through Carroll County.

"I got on Facebook and saw it on Carroll Fire Wire. I've never seen anything like it out here," said Robert Ingle, Westminster resident.

Maryland State Police say one of the planes was able to make a safe landing on the runway. The second plane made a hard landing in a grassy field adjacent to the runway.

WJZ was there as investigators made their way to the scene. The pilot of the plane that landed safely met with state police.

Investigators say both planes were attempting to land at the same time with the Aerobatic striking the Piper from above.

The drama that unfolded came as a surprise to many.

"I travel 97 daily. I pass the airport every day. It was definitely a big shock," Ingle said.

Representatives of the Federal Aviation Administration and the NTSB were notified and responded to the scene.

State police have identified the pilots and passengers involved. One pilot, Bobby Gillespic, was taken to Shock Trauma as a precaution.

The other pilot and his passenger, Robert and Helen Grahem, refused treatment at the scene.

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