A deadly midair collision between two small planes at an Arizona airport highlights the dangers of uncontrolled airfields operating without traffic control towers. The tragic accident at Marana Regional Airport claimed two lives and adds to a growing concern about air safety at America’s many understaffed and undermonitored airports.
Deadly Collision Leaves Two Dead
The incident occurred early Tuesday morning around 8:25 a.m. local time when a Cessna 172S and a Lancair 360 MK II collided in midair at Marana Regional Airport, located northwest of Tucson. Each plane carried two people, with both occupants of the Lancair perishing in the crash while both occupants of the Cessna survived without injuries.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the “aircraft collided while upwind of runway 12,” with the Cessna managing to land “uneventfully” while the Lancair “impacted terrain near runway 3 and a post-impact fire ensued.” The collision happened at an airport that operates without an air traffic control tower, requiring pilots to coordinate their movements through radio communication rather than receiving professional guidance.
BREAKING: At least two people were confirmed dead after two small planes collided midair at Marana Regional Airport in Arizona on Wednesday. https://t.co/swIvcuDaCy
— ABC News (@ABC) February 19, 2025
AeroGuard, a commercial flight training school, confirmed its pilots in the Cessna were unharmed after the collision. Investigations are now underway by both the NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with the NTSB taking the lead role in determining the cause of this tragic accident.
Uncontrolled Airspace Safety Concerns
Marana Regional Airport operates as an “uncontrolled” airfield, one of many across the United States that function without an active air traffic control tower. In these environments, pilots must rely on self-reporting over a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) to announce their positions, intentions, and coordinate safe takeoffs and landings.
This accident highlights potential dangers at thousands of smaller airports nationwide that lack proper oversight and traffic management systems. A crewed tower had been planned for the Marana facility in 2024, but those plans were delayed due to COVID-19-related supply chain issues that prevented timely installation of necessary safety infrastructure.
Marana Airport Superintendent Galen Beem described the crash as “an unprecedented event” at the facility, which primarily serves leisure flights in this rural Arizona area. The collision marks the second fatal aviation incident in Arizona this month alone, following another deadly incident at Scottsdale Airport.
Investigation Ongoing as Officials Respond
Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, who has personal experience with the airport, expressed his condolences following the tragedy. “I fly out of this airport often, including just a few days ago. My thoughts are with everyone involved and their families. My team and I are tracking this incident as we await more information,” the Democratic senator stated after learning of the collision.
“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,” said Airport Superintendent Beem in an official statement released through the Marana police department. The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report within 30 days, though the full investigation may take considerably longer.
Neither aircraft was based at Marana airport, adding complexity to the investigation into how communication may have broken down between the pilots. Federal regulations require pilots to maintain safe separation and follow right-of-way rules, especially in uncontrolled airspace where professional air traffic management is absent.
Sources:
Arizona midair collision over regional airport between Cessna, Lancair aircraft turns fatal
2 people dead after midair collision of two small single-engine planes at Arizona airport