Two Aircraft, Two Fatalities: The Marana Airport Mid-Air Collision
A mid-air collision occurred at Marana Regional Airport (AVW/KAVQ) near Tucson, Arizona, on February 19, 2025, at approximately 8:28 AM local time. This incident resulted in two fatalities and involved two aircraft: a Lancair 360 Mk II and a Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision.
Aircraft Involved:
Lancair 360 Mk II (N3602M): This experimental, kit-built aircraft was registered to a private owner/operator. The aircraft was performing circuits at approximately 2100 ft. Both occupants of the Lancair perished in the crash, and the aircraft was destroyed.
Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP (N463ER): This aircraft was reportedly on final approach to runway 12. ADS-B data suggests the Cessna may have initiated a takeoff after landing, coinciding with the Lancair performing a go-around. The two aircraft converged near runway 3/21. The Cessna was able to continue its flight and landed safely after completing a traffic pattern. No injuries were reported to the occupants of the Cessna, and the aircraft sustained no reported damage.
#UPDATE: The aircrafts involved in the Marana mid-air collision have been identified:
— Antony Ochieng,KE✈️ (@Turbinetraveler) February 19, 2025
Lancair 360 MK II – N3602M (Crashed, 2 fatalities)
Cessna 172S – N463ER (Landed safely)
Marana Regional Airport operates without a control tower, meaning pilots coordinate traffic themselves. pic.twitter.com/uVJvMzwzsk
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Mid-Air Collision Incident Details
- Date & Time: Wednesday, 19 February 2025, 08:28 LT
- Location: Marana Regional Airport (AVW/KAVQ), Marana, AZ, USA
- Aircraft Involved:
- Lancair 360 Mk II (N3602M) – Private, kit-built by Michal S. Reinath, manufactured in 2001
- Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP (N463ER) – Training aircraft, manufactured in 2015
- Phase of Flight:
- The Lancair 360 was performing circuits at 2,100 ft.
- The Cessna 172S was on final approach to Runway 12.
- The Lancair was closing in on the Cessna, which landed and then appeared to initiate a takeoff.
- The Lancair executed a go-around until both aircraft’s ADS-B datapoints merged just southeast of Runway 3/21.
- Outcome:
- The Lancair 360 crashed, resulting in 2 fatalities (both occupants), and was destroyed.
- The Cessna 172S continued its flight, completed a traffic pattern, and landed safely with no damage.
- Nature of Flight:
- Lancair 360: Private
- Cessna 172S: Training flight, departed from Chandler Municipal Airport (CHD/KCHD)
- Investigating Agency: NTSB
- Confidence Rating: Information available from news, social media, or unofficial sources
Emergency Response Initial Reports
At approximately 9:15 a.m., reports of an aircraft collision were received by emergency responders. The planes were conducting flight operations when they made contact mid-air. Witnesses described a sudden impact, followed by debris falling onto the airfield.
Emergency teams, including fire and rescue personnel, responded swiftly, securing the crash site and assisting in the recovery efforts. The airport was temporarily closed to facilitate the investigation and debris clearance.
Investigation and Legal Considerations
Authorities Involved:
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Assessing compliance with flight regulations
- National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB): Conducting forensic analysis and flight data retrieval
- Local Law Enforcement & Fire Departments: Managing the crash site and assisting with recovery efforts
Legal Ramifications:
- Families of the victims may pursue wrongful death claims
- Aircraft owners/operators could face liability lawsuits depending on findings
- Regulatory reviews may prompt airspace safety enhancements
Public and Official Statements
Marana Regional Airport Statement:
“We are deeply saddened by today’s tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the families affected. The airport is cooperating fully with investigators to determine the cause of the collision.”
FAA Statement:
“We are coordinating with the NTSB to collect all relevant flight data and witness reports. The safety of our airspace remains our priority.”
Eyewitness Accounts:
“I saw both planes approaching each other, and suddenly there was an explosion. It was over in seconds.”
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Lancair 360 Mk II Flight Path of N3602M
According to flight data,15:28UTC Lancair 360 MK II stopped transmitting data at 2200ft with a ground speed of 76kts; LIKELY THE TIME OF IMPACT with Cessna 172S Skyhawk which also descended in altitude by a few feet after the impact, making a left turn and landed 5 minutes later. pic.twitter.com/jRgzppvRGv
— Antony Ochieng,KE✈️ (@Turbinetraveler) February 19, 2025
NEW: Two planes were involved in a fatal crash this morning at Marana Regional Airport in Arizona
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) February 19, 2025
At least one person is confirmed dead in what the Marana Police Department is describing as an "aircraft collision."
More details to come. pic.twitter.com/PUaEVzyIk3
Experts in Aviation Law
- Pilot Certificate Defense
- FAA Medical Denial
- Aircraft Crashes
- FAA DUI Reporting
- Civil Penalties
- NTSB Appeals
- And More!
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