By Jennifer Edwards
Enquirer staff writer

HARRISON—Pilot inattention caused two single-engine planes to collide in mid-air Sunday at the Cincinnati West Airport, the Ohio State Highway Patrol has decided.

The agency has closed its investigation and does not plan to take any action against the pilots involved in the crash, officials said this morning.

However, the Federal Aviation Administration also is conducting a probe and could take action. FAA officials could not be reached for comment this morning.

Three men walked away from the planes with injuries that were not life-threatening and were taken to area hospitals, authorities said.

The two planes were practicing landings when they collided at 300 to 400 feet. The planes landed, one on top of the other, in a gravel pit.

A flight instructor who witnessed the collision said the landing gear of one plane struck the top of the other plane.

The pilot of the aircraft that came down on top was Jack H. Behr, 63, of Cleves, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. He was taken to Fort Hamilton Hospital; his condition wasn't available this morning.

His passenger, Leroy Sabatelli, 79, of Harrison, was treated and released at University Hospital, a hospital spokesperson said.

The pilot in the second plane, Jack Deye, 77, of Cincinnati also was treated and released at University Hospital.

E-mail jedwards@enquirer.com.