Two Dead After Midair Collision at Arizona’s Marana Regional Airport

Two people were killed on Wednesday morning after two small aircraft collided midair at Marana Regional Airport, northwest of Tucson, Arizona. Authorities confirmed the tragic accident, which involved a Cessna 172S and a Lancair 360 MK II, both single-engine planes. 

Details of the Collision

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the planes collided at 8:28 a.m. while upwind of runway 12, one of the two runways at the airport. The Cessna managed to land safely, while the Lancair crashed near runway 3 and caught fire. The Marana Police Department confirmed that two people on board the Lancair lost their lives. There were two people aboard each aircraft, but the pilots in the Cessna, which was operated by AeroGuard Flight Training Center, were not injured.

Airport Closure and Ongoing Investigation

Following the accident, the Marana Regional Airport was temporarily closed as authorities launched an investigation into the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) described the airport as an “uncontrolled field,” meaning it does not have an operating air traffic control tower. Instead, pilots are required to communicate via a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) to coordinate their movements and ensure safety. Despite this, they must still follow all federal aviation regulations.

Statements from Officials

In response to the tragic incident, Galen Beem, Superintendent of Marana Regional Airport, expressed condolences, stating,
“On behalf of the Town of Marana and the Marana Regional Airport, our hearts go out to all the individuals and families impacted by this event. We are grateful for the swift response from the Marana Police Department and Northwest Fire District.”

Matt Panichas, a spokesperson for AeroGuard, also commented, saying,
“We are deeply saddened by the two fatalities from this tragic accident.”

What’s Next?

The NTSB and FAA have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the midair collision. Authorities are expected to examine flight data, pilot communications, and airspace regulations to prevent similar accidents in the future.

As the community mourns the loss of two lives, the tragic incident highlights the risks associated with flying in uncontrolled airspace and underscores the importance of rigorous safety measures in aviation training and operations.