Two airplanes collided midair at Marana Regional Airport, located northwest of Tucson, Arizona, resulting in at least one confirmed fatality, according to local authorities.
The Marana Police Department issued a statement on social media, describing the event as an “aircraft collision.” Officials confirmed that both planes were occupied at the time of impact.
“The Marana Police Department is currently on-scene at the Marana Regional Airport, located at 11700 W. Avra Valley Rd., responding to an aircraft collision. There has been at least one confirmed deceased individual. Details are limited at this time. Media staging will be in the large dirt parking lot outside the Marana Regional Airport. The FAA and NTSB will be responding.”
At this time, authorities have not provided details on how the crash occurred, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading up to the collision.
Local news outlet KGUN 9 confirmed with airport personnel that the crash took place on Wednesday morning. A news crew is on-site gathering more information, including whether there were additional injuries.
A crash has occurred at Marana Regional Airport Wednesday morning, KGUN 9 has confirmed with airport personnel.
— KGUN 9 (@kgun9) February 19, 2025
KGUN 9 has a crew on scene working to learn more about the nature of the crash and whether injuries have occurred: https://t.co/BIrnPRjGJp pic.twitter.com/qcHyEtZFyp
KGUN 9’s Blake Phillips reported that Marana Regional Airport operates in uncontrolled airspace, meaning it does not have an air traffic control tower directing incoming and outgoing flights. This factor may play a role in the ongoing investigation into the crash.
This tragic incident follows another recent aviation accident in Arizona. Just days ago, a small business jet crashed upon arrival at Scottsdale Airport, colliding with a parked plane. That crash resulted in the death of the pilot and multiple injuries among passengers.
Security footage from the Scottsdale incident captured the moment the Learjet 35’s landing gear collapsed, causing it to skid into the stationary aircraft.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid the Marana Regional Airport area as investigators work to determine what led to Wednesday’s collision. More updates are expected as the NTSB and FAA release their findings.