2 children among 5 killed in small plane crash after New York baseball tournament

A family of five, who were making their way home after a baseball tournament, were killed in a small plane crash in New York state on Sunday.

The family was en route to Charleston, West Virginia, when the plane, a single-engine Piper Malibu Mirage, crashed in a wooded area Masonville, N.Y., located about 100 miles southwest of Albany, under "unknown circumstances," according to reporting by the Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin, part of the USA TODAY Network.

The small plane was set to take a quick pit stop in Charleston to refuel before landing in Atlanta, the group's final destination. New York State Police located the "downed aircraft" amidst debris a little after 2 p.m. Sunday but found no survivors, according to a news release.

Roger Beggs, 76, Laura VanEpps, 43, Ryan VanEpps, 42, James R. VanEpps, 12, and Harrison VanEpps, 10, had all travelled from Georgia to attend a baseball tournament in Cooperstown, N.Y, according to police.

Here's what we know.

Georgia Governor issues statement after crash

Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp extended his condolences to those affected by the loss on X, writing Monday, "As we learn of this tragic news, please join Marty, the girls, and me in praying for the loved ones of the Beggs and VanEpps families. We offer our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved them."

Federal investigation underway, cause of crash currently unknown

A NTSB investigator was expected to arrive at the crash site Monday afternoon to begin to document the scene and examine the wreckage, according to reporting by the Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin. Material from the aircraft wreckage will then be transported to a secure facility for further evaluation.

Investigators will focus on the pilot, the aircraft itself and the operating environment, including weather conditions, to figure out the cause of the malfunction.

They will also examine rack data, aircraft maintenance records, a 72-hour background check of the pilot to determine if there were any issues that could have affected the pilot’s ability to safety operate the plane, and any available surveillance video, including from doorbell cameras, the Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin reported.

A preliminary report about the crash, including factual information, will be available in about 30 days and a final report, which includes probable cause of death, may be available in the next 12 to 24 months.

Anyone who witnessed the event, has video or any other relevant information to share about the incident can contact the National Transportation Safety Board at [email protected]. 

Contributing: Victoria E. Freile; Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Jeff Murray; Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin and Miguel Legoas; Augusta Chronicle