NTSB investigation into deadly mid-air plane crash in Lancaster could take over a year; pilot ID'd

LANCASTER, Calif. (KABC) -- The NTSB said Monday the investigation into the cause of the mid-air plane crash over Lancaster that left one pilot dead could take more than a year.

The National Transportation Safety Board says the mid-air collision of a Yakovlev Yak 52 and Nanchang CJ-6A happened around 1 p.m. Sunday while both airplanes were on a joint cross-country trip.

One crash landed at 47th Street and Avenue F, the other at Avenue G and 60th Street.

The pilot of the Nanchang CJ-6A was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other pilot was able to land and walk away with no injuries. Only the pilots were onboard at the time of the crash.

The Los Angeles County medical examiner has identified the deceased pilot as 62-year-old Ryder Adams.

"Anytime anyone loses their life it's sad, you know. They were out there for a Sunday flight and that happened," Bruce Hamburg, a Lancaster resident, told Eyewitness News.

It is still unclear what caused the two airplanes to collide, but the NTSB says a flight data recorder has been recovered from the Nanchang and will be sent to their headquarters for further examination.

The investigator is expected to continue to examine the Yakovlev before both planes are taken to an offsite facility for further examination.

The NTSB will investigate the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment. It could take anywhere between 1 to 2 years to complete the investigation, according to the NTSB.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has any information is asked to contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov.