A tragic incident at Scottsdale Municipal Airport on Monday afternoon resulted in the death of at least one person after two jets collided on the runway. Notably, rock star Vince Neil, known for his role as the lead vocalist of Mötley Crüe, was not aboard his Learjet 35A when the accident occurred.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Neil’s aircraft veered off the runway after landing and crashed into a parked Gulfstream G-200 business jet. Preliminary investigations suggest that a failure in the left main landing gear may have contributed to the accident, which happened around 2:45 p.m. Initial reports indicate that one individual was deceased upon the arrival of emergency crews, while others onboard suffered injuries.
Following the incident, Mötley Crüe released a now-deleted statement expressing sorrow over the loss of the pilot and offering prayers for the injured passengers, including Neil’s girlfriend and her friend, who are expected to recover. Neil’s representative conveyed his appreciation for the first responders’ swift actions and extended condolences to those affected by the tragedy.
Bret Michaels, frontman of the rock band Poison and a friend of Neil, also expressed his relief over Neil’s safety, offering his condolences to the victims and their families. The fifth individual involved in the incident reportedly refused treatment.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, where they detected a gas smell, prompting the deployment of additional hazardous materials units. The Learjet, registered to Chromed in Hollywood, Wyoming, was returning from a flight originating in Austin, Texas.
Scottsdale Airport was closed for several hours following the crash, resuming operations later in the evening. The Mayor of Scottsdale issued a statement offering condolences and emphasizing the city’s commitment to monitoring the situation alongside federal and local agencies. As investigations unfold, the National Transportation Safety Board has initiated a thorough examination of the accident.
This unfortunate event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with aviation and the importance of quick emergency response. As the affected families navigate this difficult time, the community’s support and sympathy can provide some solace in the wake of this tragedy.