Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Two private planes collide midair over Arizona on Wednesday (February 19), killing two people in the latest aviation accident in the United States.
According to the BBC, a Cessna 1725 and a Lancair 360 MK II crashed at 8:28 a.m. local time near Marana Regional Airport, northwest of Tucson, Arizona.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that both aircraft collided midair while approaching Runway 12, one of the two runways in the area, flying against the wind.
Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the crash. However, the Cessna was able to land safely, while the Lancair crashed near another runway, resulting in a post-impact fire.
Each planes was reportedly carrying two passengers at the time of the collision. Marana Police confirmed that two people were killed in the accident.
A spokesperson for local authorities said the airport was temporarily closed as the NTSB and FAA launched an investigation into the incident.
No Air Traffic Control Tower
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that Marana Regional Airport does not have an air traffic control tower (ATCT), classifying it as an “uncontrolled airport.”
At such airports, pilots typically use a common traffic advisory frequency to communicate their positions to other pilots in the area. Despite the absence of a control tower, airport officials stated that no similar accidents had occurred there before.
Pilots are still required to adhere to all federal aviation regulations, including minimum visibility requirements, safe altitude limits, and right-of-way rules, regardless of where they operate.
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Series of Aviation Accidents
The tragedy of two planes collide midair over Arizona is the latest in a string of recent aviation incidents in the United States. Last month, a helicopter collided with an American Airlines passenger jet in Washington, D.C., killing all 64 passengers and three crew members.
On Monday, a Delta Air Lines flight in Toronto skidded down the runway in flames before flipping upside down in a dramatic crash. Miraculously, all 80 people on board survived.
As investigators work to determine the cause of the crash, the midair collision in Arizona adds to growing concerns over aviation safety in the U.S., highlighting the need for enhanced aviation regulations.
(Raidi/Agung)
