SCOTTSDALE, AZ — One person was killed and four others injured Monday afternoon when a small jet veered off the runway at Scottsdale Airport and crashed into a larger jet, according to airport officials.
The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. when a Learjet 35A arriving from Austin, Texas, suffered a landing gear failure, causing it to veer off course and collide with a parked Gulfstream G-200 business jet.
Victims and Aircraft Details
- One person died at the scene, according to Scottsdale Fire officials.
- Three others were transported to a hospital, while another person declined treatment.
- The Learjet 35A is registered to Chromed in Hollywood, LLC, a company owned by Vince Neil, frontman of the rock band Mötley Crüe.
- Neil was not on board at the time of the crash, his representative confirmed.
Statement from Vince Neil
In a statement released on social media, Mötley Crüe addressed the tragedy:
“At 2:39 p.m. local time, a Learjet aircraft Model 35A owned by Vince Neil was attempting to land at the Scottsdale Airport. For reasons unknown at this time, the plane veered from the runway, causing it to collide with another parked plane. On board Mr. Neil’s plane were two pilots and two passengers. Mr. Neil was not on the plane. More specific details regarding the collision are not available as this is a rapidly evolving situation and there is an ongoing investigation. Mr. Neil’s thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved, and he is grateful for the critical aid of all first responders assisting today.”
Eyewitness Accounts and Surveillance Footage
Surveillance footage reviewed by ABC15 showed the nose of the Learjet skidding across the tarmac before colliding with the parked Gulfstream jet.
Official Responses and Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident and temporarily paused incoming flights to Scottsdale Municipal Airport.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
Statements from Local Officials
Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky expressed condolences, stating:
“On behalf of the city of Scottsdale, we offer our deepest condolences to those involved in the accident and for those who have been taken to our trauma center for treatment. We will keep all affected by this tragedy in our prayers. I would also like to thank our first responder community for their quick action and service in this situation.”
Jet Pros Statement on Parked Gulfstream
The company Jet Pros, LLC, which owns the Gulfstream G-200 business jet that was struck, also issued a statement:
“Our plane, a Gulfstream G-200 business jet, was parked on the ramp when it was hit by a Learjet 35 at around 2:45 p.m. local time. There were no injuries on board the Gulfstream, but external damages were sustained to the aircraft. We are cooperating fully with airport authorities and relevant agencies as they conduct a thorough review of the situation.”
What’s Next?
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident, with officials working to determine whether mechanical failure or pilot error played a role. The runway reopened just before 9 p.m., allowing normal airport operations to resume.
