Washington, DC -- (Sports Network) - The National Transportation Safety Board has determined that pilot error was the cause of last October's plane crash that killed former New York Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle and flight instructor Tyler Stanger in New York City.

However, the Board's final report stated that it was unable to determine which of the two men was at the controls when it crashed into a high-rise apartment building on October 11. The pilot was attempting to make a 180-degree turn above the East River in New York when control was lost.

"This accident is a great tragedy in which a pleasure flight went horribly wrong and ultimately cost the lives to two young men," said NTSB chairman Mark Rosenker. "The pilots placed themselves in a precarious situation that could have been prevented by better judgment and planning."

Both men were certified to fly the plane -- a Cirrus SR-20 owned by Lidle.

The report stated that the pilots did not aggressively bank the airplane while trying to make the turn, and it added that the full width of the river was not used. Radar data indicated that the airplane was in the middle of the East River when it began to turn, and should have instead been along the eastern shoreline when starting the maneuver.

Additionally, the wind speed -- which the initial report in November stated was blowing from the east at about six knots -- would have shortened the available distance to successfully make the turn.

The Board also found that the pilots should have recognized, during preflight planning or while they were considering flying up the East River after they were already in flight, that there was limited turning space in the East River exclusion area and they would need to maximize the lateral distance available for turning.

In the NTSB's initial report, examination of the wreckage showed there was no sign of in-flight fire or damage. The plane hit the 30th floor of the building, bounced off and fell to the street below. It then was engulfed in a severe fire.

Lidle, who was 34 years old, earned his pilot's license the previous winter.