In a heart-wrenching incident on Sunday, a small plane crash in upstate New York resulted in the tragic loss of five lives, including two children. The crash, involving a Piper Malibu Mirage, occurred around 2 p.m. near Lake Cecil Road in Masonville, roughly 40 miles northeast of Binghamton. Authorities discovered the wreckage late Sunday evening following an extensive search involving drones, ATVs, and helicopters.

The deceased were identified as Roger Beggs, 76; Laura VanEpps, 43; Ryan VanEpps, 42; James R. VanEpps, 12; and Harrison VanEpps, 10. This family from Georgia was returning home to Atlanta after participating in a baseball tournament in Cooperstown, New York. Their journey tragically ended in Delaware County where the crash site was eventually uncovered.

The ill-fated aircraft had departed from Alfred S. Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta, New York. It was headed towards West Virginia to refuel before reaching its ultimate destination at Cobb County International Airport in Atlanta. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Collision Reconstruction Unit, and Forensic Identification Unit, alongside the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

The tragic events highlight the potential risks associated with small aircraft travel, particularly in challenging or rural environments. Continuous improvements in aviation safety protocols and the thorough investigation of such incidents are crucial for preventing future tragedies.

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