Two killed after small planes collide mid-air in Arizona
At least two people were confirmed dead after two small planes collided mid-flight at an airport in Arizona.
Citing local authorities, news outlets like CBS News and ABC News reported that aircrafts Cessna 172S and Lancair 360 MK II collided “upwind of runway 12” on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at Marana Regional Airport.
"The Cessna landed uneventfully; the Lancair impacted terrain near runway 3 and a post-impact fire ensued," per the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), two people were aboard each plane. No information about the two other passengers have been disclosed as of writing.
The FAA and the NTSB are currently investigating the incident.
“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," Marana Regional Airport Superintendent Galen Beem said in a statement.
According to reports, the Marana Regional Airport is an "uncontrolled field,” which means it is not covered by air traffic control. Usually, pilots use a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency to announce their position to other pilots who are also in the airport vicinity.
