Scottsdale Airport was forced to close after a plane crashed into a jet on the runway, killing at least one person.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:45PM local time when a Learjet 35A veered off the runway after landing and crashed into a stationary Gulfstream 200 business jet, per the Mirror.
The jet is owned by Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the details, stating: “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 2:45PM local time Monday, Feb. 10. We do not know how many people were on board. The FAA is temporarily pausing flights into the airport.”
Emergency services rushed to the scene, where two individuals were taken to the hospital while another remained trapped. Video footage showed multiple ambulances and fire engines surrounding the wreckage.
Scottsdale Airport released a statement acknowledging the accident: “An accident has occurred upon arrival to runway 21. Fire Department is on scene assessing the situation. Scottsdale Airport’s runway is currently closed.”
The Scottsdale Fire Department then confirmed one fatality and multiple injuries.
“We had five patients we treated. One was a fatality, we had two immediate that were transported to local trauma centers, we had one delayed patient and one patient that refused treatment,” Scottsdale Fire Department Captain Dave Folio said, via the Daily Mail.
Mötley Crüe acknowledged the tragedy in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), confirming the pilot’s death and pledging support for the victim’s family.
“Earlier today, a private plane owned by Vince Neil was involved in a crash near Scottsdale, AZ. The pilot was tragically killed; the co-pilot and other passengers were taken to local hospitals,” the band stated.
They added: “Vince was not on the plane. Vince‘s girlfriend and her friend suffered injuries, albeit not life-threatening. While details are still emerging, our hearts go out to the families about the pilot who lost his life in the passengers who suffered injuries.
“Mötley Crüe will announce a way to help support the family of the deceased pilot—stand by for an announcement very soon.”
The statement has since been deleted.
Neil, who was not on board at the time of the crash, expressed his condolences through his legal team.
“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,” his attorney said in a statement released by Worrick Robinson Law.
Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky extended condolences to those affected by the crash.
“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,” Borowsky said.
“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.”
