2 small planes collide in Illinois, killing 1

PERU, Ill. -- Two small planes collided in mid-air Sunday morning before the start of the Illinois Valley Air Show, killing one of the pilots, authorities said.

While police and the Federal Aviation Administration said they believed the planes were practicing for the air show, an official with the event's organizer said the pilots were not part of the scheduled entertainment.

The planes were among four that left Poplar Grove to be displayed at the air show, said J. Michael Maloney, president of American Air Shows. As they were attempting to land, one plane touched another -- causing a crash in a field northeast of the Illinois Valley Regional Airport, he said.

After the collision, the other pilot was able to land his plane and declined medical treatment, police dispatcher Jamie Bradish said.

Maloney said the air show, which began on Saturday, was expected to be held Sunday but would get underway about two hours late.

This is the second year the event has been held in Peru, which is located about 90 miles southwest of Chicago.