4 Killed In Runway Collision

Two small planes trying to land on the same runway collided and crashed, killing four people.

Sheriff Michael Brooks said there was no immediate explanation from Wittman Field air traffic controllers why the two-seater Cessna 150 and the four-seat Beechcraft Bonanza approached the runway together Friday.

Each plane was carrying two passengers.

The victims aboard the Beechcraft were identified as Robert Lytle, 46, of Lake in the Hills, Ill., and John L. Kuranz, 73, of Barrington, Ill. Occupants of the Cessna were Robert Frank Costello, 57, and his granddaughter Heather Costello, 6, both of Oaklawn, Ill.

Witnesses said the Cessna was about 50 feet off the ground when the Beechcraft overtook it. The witnesses differed as to whether the wings touched or the Cessna banked abruptly and its wingtip struck the Beechcraft.