New details released in plane crash that killed 2 from Merced County

Officials say it could take up to two years for a final report to be released.

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Friday, September 16, 2022
New details released in plane crash that killed 2 from Merced County
New details have been released on a mid-air collision between two private planes at the Watsonville airport in August.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- New details have been released on a mid-air collision between two private planes at the Watsonville airport in August.

The crash killed three people -- including two from Merced County.

Federal investigators released a preliminary report Thursday, focusing on the radio communications between the two pilots trying to land.

A witness says the pilot of the approaching plane tried to turn but hit the wing of the smaller aircraft.

Another witness in an office actually snapped a photo that appears to show the collision before both planes fell from the sky.

Investigators say it could take up to two years for a final report to be released on the accident.