Two small planes collided midair near Marana Regional Airport outside Tucson on Wednesday, killing at least two people according to Arizona authorities. Federal investigators confirm both aircraft carried two passengers each when the collision occurred during approach to the uncontrolled airport.
Witnesses reported one plane landed safely while the other burst into flames upon ground impact.
'This marks the fourth major aviation incident in North America this month,'stated an NTSB representative, referencing recent crashes including a deadly Alaska commuter plane accident and January's fatal midair collision involving an American Airlines jet near Washington, D.C.
Marana Airport's lack of an air traffic control tower emerges as a critical factor. Despite 50,000+ annual flights, the facility relies on pilot-controlled procedures. A delayed $4.2M tower construction project - postponed during COVID - remains incomplete.
Recent aviation crises highlight systemic pressures:
- Delta jet roof flip in Toronto (March 17)
- Alaska commuter crash killing 5 (March 12)
- 67 fatalities from DC midair collision (January 29)
- Philadelphia medical jet crash with 7 deaths (January 31)
Wednesday's collision follows last week's Scottsdale runway accident involving Mötley Crüe singer Vince Neil's private jet that killed a pilot. Investigators urge renewed focus on aging infrastructure and airspace management protocols as flight volumes rebound post-pandemic.