Scottsdale, Arizona – A tragic aviation accident occurred on Monday afternoon at Scottsdale Municipal Airport, claiming the life of one individual and injuring at least three others. The incident involved a Learjet 35A owned by Vince Neil, lead singer of the rock band Mötley Crüe, which veered off the runway upon landing and collided with a parked Gulfstream 200 business jet.
Details of the Crash
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the crash took place around 2:45 p.m. local time. Initial reports indicate that the Learjet’s left main landing gear failed upon landing, causing the aircraft to lose control and collide with the stationary Gulfstream jet on private property near the airport.
Vince Neil was not onboard at the time of the crash. His jet had departed from Austin, Texas, earlier that day, according to a spokesperson for the singer.
Casualties and Injuries
Emergency response teams arrived promptly at the scene, where Scottsdale Fire Department Capt. Dave Folio confirmed that five individuals were involved in the accident. One person was pronounced dead, while three others were transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention. One individual declined treatment.
Mötley Crüe initially released a statement identifying the deceased as the pilot and confirming that Neil’s girlfriend and a friend of hers were among the injured. However, this post was later removed and replaced with a statement omitting specific details about those involved. The updated statement confirmed that there were four people aboard the Learjet—two pilots and two passengers.
Investigation Underway
Authorities, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Officials have stated that further details will be released as the situation develops.
Vince Neil expressed his condolences and gratitude to first responders, stating, “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.”
Airport and Event Context
Scottsdale Municipal Airport, which primarily services corporate and private aircraft, does not accommodate commercial flights. The airport was experiencing increased traffic over the weekend due to the PGA Tour’s Phoenix Open, one of the busiest events of the year for the region.
As investigations continue, authorities are urging patience as they work to determine the exact circumstances that led to this devastating accident.
