Two people were killed in a mid-air collision between a Cessna 172S and a Lancair 360 MK II near Marana Regional Airport in Arizona early Monday morning. The crash occurred around 8:30 a.m.
One of the aircraft went down near the runway and caught fire. The other plane was able to land safely. Both individuals aboard the surviving aircraft were uninjured.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has confirmed the fatalities and launched an investigation into the incident. Marana Regional Airport, which does not have an air traffic control tower, has been temporarily closed following the crash.
Local officials offered condolences to the victims’ families and commended first responders for their swift and professional response.
The airport is currently part of the FAA’s Air Traffic Control Tower Program, which could result in future safety enhancements.