1 dead, 4 injured after jets collide at Scottsdale Airport
One person is dead and four others are injured after a Bombardier Learjet 35A veered off the runway after landing at Scottsdale Airport and crashed into a Gulfstream G-200 business jet that was parked on private property, according to the Federal Aviation Authority.
The cause was attributed to faulty landing gear, according to a press briefing with Scottsdale Fire Capt. Dave Folio on Monday evening.
The incident occurred around 2:45 p.m. local time on Runway 21, according to Scottsdale Airport.
One person died upon impact, according to Folio, who gave an afternoon press briefing on the collision. Authorities were working into the evening to extricate the body.
Two individuals were in critical condition, and they were sent to local trauma centers, he said. Another person was sent to a local hospital, and a fourth refused treatment at the scene, he added.
In what Folio described as an “active scene,” emergency responders were working to “extricate and save” the remains of one individual who was declared “dead on arrival.”
Authorities have not yet identified any of the victims; however, a statement from Jet Pros, LLC, which operated the Gulfstream, clarified that there were no passengers aboard its parked jet at the time of the crash.
“There were no injuries on board the Gulfstream, but external damages were sustained to the aircraft,” the statement said. “We are cooperating fully with airport authorities and relevant agencies as they conduct a thorough review of the situation.”
Jet Pros also extended its condolences to the families of those impacted and thanked emergency responders for their swift response to what it called a “terrible accident.”
There is currently a ground stop in place at the airport, which is located in Maricopa County, Arizona.
Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky issued a statement on Monday evening, saying, “On behalf of the city of Scottsdale, we offer our deepest condolences to those involved in the accident and for those who have been taken to our trauma center for treatment. We will keep all affected by this tragedy in our prayers.”
“I would also like to thank our first responder community for their quick action and service in this situation,” she added.
The Scottsdale Fire Department and Scottsdale Police Department remained on scene as the sun started to set, alongside other emergency responders.
The investigation has been turned over to the National Transportation Safety Board as of Monday evening, officials said.
