SCOTTSDALE, AZ — One person was killed and four others were injured in an aircraft crash on a runway Monday afternoon at the Scottsdale Airport.
Airport officials say around 2:30 p.m., a small jet incoming from Austin, Texas, veered off the runway and crashed into a larger jet that was parked near a private hangar near the runway.
Officials believe the landing jet's left main gear failed upon landing, leading to the crash.
Officials had closed the runway for about six hours as crews worked on those involved. The Scottsdale Airport reopened the runway just before 9 p.m.
Airport and fire officials provided an update Monday evening. Watch in the player below:
Five people were involved in the incident, one of whom died at the scene, according to Scottsdale Fire officials. Three other people were taken to a hospital to be treated for various injuries, and another person refused treatment.
On Tuesday, officials identified the pilot as the victim who died in the crash as 78-year-old Joie Vitosky.
One of the planes is registered to Chromed in Hollywood, LLC, based out of Franklin, Tennessee. The president of Chromed in Hollywood, LLC, is Vince Neil, according to incorporation papers from the Wyoming Secretary of State.
Vince Neil is a singer and frontman of the rock band Mötley Crüe.
In a statement released on X, formerly known as Twitter, the band shared some details about the collision.
— Mötley Crüe (@MotleyCrue) February 11, 2025
A representative for Neil shared a statement with ABC15, confirming that the frontman was not in the plane at the time of the crash:
"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."
Surveillance video shown to ABC15 depicted the nose of one of the planes skidding across the tarmac before colliding with another plane.
NEW VIDEO: A local business gave @abc15 footage of the plane crash at the Scottsdale Airport. There are two clips they shared and gave us permission to use as we report on this tragic crash. Look for updates on @abc15 ⬇️⬇️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/uZpXpvq1rU
— Ashley Holden (@ashleyvholden) February 11, 2025
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.
The Federal Aviation Association shared the following statement:
"A Learjet 35A veered off the runway after landing and crashed into a Gulfstream 200 business jet on the ramp at Scottsdale Municipal Airport in Arizona around 2:45 p.m. local time Monday, Feb. 10. We do not know how many people were on board. The FAA istemporarily pausing flights into the airport."
Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky provided the following statement on the incident:
“Today, Scottsdale sadly experienced an aircraft accident at our airport. Based on the information provided thus far, it appears at least one person is dead after two jets collided on the runway at Scottsdale Airport.
The accident happened just before 3 p.m. when a Learjet 35A veered off the runway after landing, according to information provided by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Currently, the airport is closed. We are closely monitoring the situation, and we are in touch with airport, police and federal agencies and will update the community as we have further information.
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 also shared a statement with ABC15:
"On behalf of Jet Pros, we are saddened to hear about the lives lost and injured on Monday, February 10 at Scottsdale Airport. Our condolences go out to the family members of those affected by this terrible accident. Our plane, a Gulfstream G-200 business jet, was parked on the ramp when it was hit by the Learjet 35 at around 2:45 PM local time, sustaining external damage to the aircraft. A member of our flight crew who was on board the Gulfstream at the time suffered injuries upon impact, which was discovered following a thorough medical examination Monday evening. He was treated and released, however we continue to monitor his recovery. We are cooperating fully with airport authorities and relevant agencies as they conduct a thorough review of the situation. We appreciate the swift response of airport personnel and will provide updates as more information becomes available. For any inquiries, please contact Gus Toulatos, Director of Operations."
