Full Breakdown
Midair Collision of Two Gliders Over Edinburg, New York
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On Friday afternoon, two single-pilot gliders collided above Edinburg in Saratoga County, New York, near Wheeler Road at approximately 2:30 p.m. A Schempp-Hirth Ventus crashed in a remote, heavily wooded area off Sand Lake Road; its pilot was found deceased. The second glider, a Schleicher AS24, landed safely at Plateau Sky Ranch Airport, and its pilot escaped without injury.
Background & Context
The gliders were part of a group flight launched by an engine-powered plane from Saratoga County Airport. The group intended to land at Piesco Airport in Hamilton County, a common practice among recreational glider pilots in the region.
Timeline
- ~2:30 p.m., Friday – State police receive a report of a two-aircraft collision near Wheeler Road.
- ~2:26 p.m. – New York State Police note the time of the initial call.
- ~4:54 p.m. – Investigators locate debris and the crashed glider in a remote area off Sand Lake Road.
- Shortly after – The deceased pilot is identified as James L. Morzillo of Saratoga Springs.
- Ongoing – The FAA and NTSB have opened investigations.
Data & Statistics
- Aircraft: 2 gliders (Ventus; AS24)
- Pilots: 2 (one per aircraft)
- Crash site: Remote area off Sand Lake Road, Edinburg, Saratoga County
- Response agencies: New York State Police, State Police Aviation, New York State Forest Rangers, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, local fire departments
Official Statements & Responses
- New York State Police confirmed the collision and that the surviving pilot was unharmed after landing at Plateau Sky Ranch Airport.
- Federal Aviation Administration noted the aircraft types and said it will investigate with the NTSB.
- National Transportation Safety Board said it will examine pilot actions, aircraft condition, flight-track data, weather, and other factors.
- Plateau Sky Ranch Airport owner Elayne Wade reported minor damage to the front of the surviving glider.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The front end had some damage,” — Elayne Wade, owner of Plateau Sky Ranch Airport
Why It Matters
The incident highlights the risks of coordinated glider operations when multiple aircraft share airspace during launch and landing phases. Ongoing investigations aim to identify procedural or environmental factors that contributed to the collision and may inform future safety guidelines for recreational gliding.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Initial police releases referred only to an “unnamed pilot.” Later reporting identified the pilot as James L. Morzillo of Saratoga Springs. No other substantive discrepancies appear across sources.
What's Next
The FAA and NTSB will continue their investigations, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days and a final report within the next 12–24 months. Updates will be provided as additional findings become available.