SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — In a scene that shocked onlookers, a Learjet 35A veered off the runway after landing at Scottsdale Airport on Monday afternoon, colliding with a parked Gulfstream 200. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the tragic incident, which occurred around 2:45 p.m.
What Happened?
It all started when the Learjet, arriving from Austin, Texas, experienced a failure in its left main gear as it landed. The resulting loss of control sent it crashing into the Gulfstream on the ramp.
The accident prompted the airport to temporarily shut down Runway 21 for six hours. Thankfully, operations have since resumed.
Who Was Affected?
- Fatalities and Injuries:
Tragically, one person on the Learjet lost their life. Two others are in critical condition, and a fourth passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The fifth victim, who was in the Gulfstream, declined medical treatment. - Mötley Crüe Connection:
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the Learjet is owned by Vince Neil, the lead singer of Mötley Crüe. However, Vince wasn’t on board during the crash. A now-deleted statement from the band revealed that the co-pilot and other passengers were taken to the hospital, and Vince’s girlfriend sustained injuries that are not life-threatening.
Community Reaction
State and local leaders have expressed their shock and sympathy:
- Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky shared a heartfelt message, offering condolences to those affected and praising the swift response of first responders. She vowed to keep the community updated as more details emerge.
- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes echoed the sentiments, saying she was “devastated” by the news and extending her thoughts to the victims and their families.
What We Still Don’t Know
The identity of the person who lost their life in the crash remains unknown, and details about the injured passengers have not been fully disclosed.
This tragedy is a somber reminder of how quickly life can change. As the community mourns, we extend our thoughts to all those impacted by this heartbreaking event.
