NYSP investigating plane crash in Delaware County

Press Release

On June 30, 2024, at approximately 2:00 p.m., New York State Police were dispatched to a report of a possible plane crash in the area of Lake Cecil Road in the town of Masonville.

A multi-agency effort search of the area, with the utilization of drones, ATV's and helicopters led to the discovery of debris and ultimately to the downed aircraft.

The aircraft, a Piper Malibu Mirage was located with the following passengers who unfortunately did not survive the crash:

• Roger Beggs, age 76
• Laura VanEpps, age 43
• Ryan VanEpps, age 42
• James R. VanEpps, age 12
• Harrison VanEpps, age 10

All of the passengers are family members from the state of Georgia and were in Cooperstown, NY for a baseball tournament.

The plane departed from Alfred S. Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta, NY and was traveling to West Virginia to refuel with its ultimate destination as Cobb County International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia.

The New York State Police would like to thank area residents and law enforcement partners with their assistance:

• Delaware County Sheriff's Office
• Walton Police Department
• Delaware County Office of Emergency Management
• Delaware County Tech Rescue Team
• EnCon Forest Rangers
• Department of Environmental Protection
• LifeNet
• Bainbridge EMS
• Sidney EMS
• Ambulanz Ambulance Service
• Delaware County EMS - AMR Ambulance
• Trout Creek Fire Department
• Hancock Fire Department
• Masonville Fire Department
• Walton Fire Department
• Sidney Center Fire Department
• Delhi Fire Department
• Downsville Fire Department
• Deposit Fire Department
• Broome County Mutual Aid
• Schoharie Fire Department
• Delaware County Medical Examiner

The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal of Investigation, Collision Reconstruction Unit, and Forensic Identification Unit are working in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Board (NTSB) to determine the cause of the crash.