Photo Credit: Getty Images
A devastating runway collision at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona claimed one life on Monday afternoon when a Learjet 35A registered to Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil crashed into a parked Gulfstream 200. The incident occurred at approximately 2:39 p.m. local time when the Learjet's left main landing gear failed during touchdown.
According to Federal Aviation Administration officials, the Learjet veered off course after landing, leading to the collision with the stationary aircraft. The incoming flight from Austin carried four individuals, including Neil's girlfriend Rain Andreani and her friend. Andreani sustained five broken ribs in the crash, while the fate of others aboard proved more tragic.
Poison frontman Bret Michaels confirmed the death of one pilot in a Facebook post, expressing his condolences: "My deepest sympathy and condolences to the pilot that just passed away in Scottsdale Airpark and the other pilot who was injured." The musician also noted his relief that Neil wasn't aboard during the incident.
Scottsdale Fire Department spokesperson Capt. Dave Folio reported that two individuals were transported to trauma centers, with another taken to a local hospital in stable condition. The parked Gulfstream 200, owned by Jet Pros charter company, reported no injuries to personnel on their aircraft.
Through his legal representative, Vince Neil issued a statement on social media: "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." Mötley Crüe's official Instagram account later announced plans to share ways for supporters to assist the deceased pilot's family.
This incident adds to a series of recent aviation tragedies across the United States. Just weeks earlier, a catastrophic collision between a US Army helicopter and an American Airlines jet at Reagan National Airport resulted in 67 fatalities. Two days after that incident, Philadelphia witnessed a devastating crash when a private jet exploded on a busy street, claiming seven lives.
Scottsdale Airport officials have closed the runway indefinitely as investigations continue. Aviation Planning Coordinator Kelli Kuester confirmed that the initial failure of the Learjet's left landing gear triggered the chain of events leading to this tragic collision.
