(AmericanProsperity.com) – Sparking further concerns about the current trend of deadly aviation incidents in the United States, a tragic midair collision at an uncontrolled Arizona airport has killed two people.
The incident at Marana Regional Airport, which lacks a control tower, marks the second deadly crash in Arizona in just nine days, intensifying concerns about aviation safety in the nation.
The collision involved a Lancair 360 MK II and a Cessna 172S. Each aircraft was carrying two people.
The Lancair crashed near runway 3 and went up in flames, resulting in the deaths of both occupants.
Miraculously, the Cessna managed to land safely, with its two passengers escaping unharmed.
Like many smaller airfields across America, Marana Regional Airport operates without an air traffic control tower.
Pilots must rely on a standard radio frequency to communicate their intentions and maintain vigilance to avoid collisions.
While common, this system has now come under scrutiny following this tragic event.
Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti emphasized the critical nature of pilot communication and awareness in such environments.
“All the pilots should be broadcasting on this common traffic advisory frequency. And there’s also a responsibility to see and avoid. Each pilot is responsible to see and avoid so they don’t collide with each other,” he said.
The town of Marana had been part of a Federal Aviation Administration program to construct an air traffic control tower by 2024.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed this deadline to 2029, leaving the airport vulnerable to such incidents.
This delay in essential safety infrastructure raises serious questions about the FAA’s priorities and the potential consequences of bureaucratic red tape.
This latest tragedy adds to a string of recent aviation incidents, including a collision near Reagan National Airport, a medevac jet crash in Philadelphia, and a small aircraft crash in Alaska.
Last week, a plane owned by Mötley Crüe’s Vince Neil crashed in Arizona, killing a pilot and injuring three others.
These events underscore the need for heightened vigilance and improved safety measures across all levels of aviation.
Marana Regional Airport Superintendent Galen Beem issued a statement:
“On behalf of the Town of Marana and the Marana Regional Airport, our hearts go out to all the individuals and families impacted by this event. This is an unprecedented event, and we are grateful for the swift response from the Marana Police Department and Northwest Fire District.”
As the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA investigate this tragic collision, it is clear that immediate action is needed to prevent future incidents.
The aviation community and local authorities must come together to implement stricter safety protocols and speed up the construction of much-needed air traffic control towers at uncontrolled airports across the nation.
❗️Small plane CRASH at airport in Arizona
Local media says emergency services on scene at Marana Regional Airport, confirming type of plane and injuries pic.twitter.com/BGXziv8YQn
— RT (@RT_com) February 19, 2025
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