Scottsdale, AZ – February 10, 2025 – A devastating aviation accident rocked Scottsdale Municipal Airport on Monday afternoon when a Learjet 35A, owned by Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil, crashed after veering off the runway upon landing. The crash, which occurred at approximately 2:45 p.m. local time, resulted in the tragic death of the aircraft’s pilot, Captain Joe, and left four others injured, including two passengers and the jet’s first officer. Authorities have since launched an extensive investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.

A Routine Landing Turns into Disaster

The ill-fated Learjet 35A was arriving from Austin, Texas, carrying four occupants—two crew members and two passengers. According to preliminary reports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft experienced a catastrophic left main landing gear failure upon touchdown, causing it to veer uncontrollably off the runway. The aircraft then crashed into a parked Gulfstream 200, owned by private jet charter company Jet Pros, LLC.

Airport surveillance footage and witness accounts confirm that the Learjet attempted to stabilize after its initial contact with the runway but rapidly lost control due to the landing gear malfunction. The subsequent impact with the parked jet resulted in a fiery wreckage that prompted an immediate response from Scottsdale Fire Department personnel.

Heroic First Responders at the Scene

Within minutes of the crash, emergency crews arrived at the site and immediately began extracting victims from the burning wreckage. Unfortunately, Captain Joe, a seasoned aviator with decades of experience, succumbed to his injuries upon impact. His co-pilot, whose identity has yet to be released, was pulled from the aircraft with severe injuries and rushed to a nearby hospital.

Passengers Rain, Vince Neil’s longtime girlfriend, and her friend Ashley sustained multiple injuries, including broken ribs and trauma-related wounds. Both were transported to a trauma center for further medical evaluation. Miraculously, two small dogs that were onboard survived the crash unharmed and were later reunited with Neil’s team.

Remembering Captain Joe: A Beloved Aviator

The aviation community mourns the loss of Captain Joe, described by friends and colleagues as a generous, kind-hearted professional who always prioritized safety and hospitality. He was particularly known among Mötley Crüe fans for his friendly interactions and dedication to ensuring Vince Neil’s travel experiences were seamless.

A fellow pilot and close friend, Captain Greg Williams, expressed his sorrow: “Joe was not just a great pilot; he was a wonderful human being. He loved flying, loved his job, and was always the guy you could count on to brighten your day. The aviation world has lost one of its best.”

Vince Neil’s Official Statement

Despite his ownership of the aircraft, Vince Neil was not onboard at the time of the crash. In a statement released by his management team, Neil expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy:

“At 2:39 p.m. local time, a Learjet 35A owned by Vince Neil was attempting to land at Scottsdale Airport. For reasons unknown at this time, the plane veered from the runway, causing it to collide with another parked aircraft. On board were two pilots and two passengers. Mr. Neil was not on the plane. More specific details regarding the collision are not available as this is a rapidly evolving situation and there is an ongoing investigation. Mr. Neil’s thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved, and he is grateful for the critical aid of all first responders assisting today.”

FAA and NTSB Launch Investigation

In response to the fatal crash, both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an official investigation. Investigators are meticulously combing through wreckage, reviewing flight data records, and analyzing pilot communications to determine what went wrong.

Preliminary reports suggest a possible mechanical failure in the Learjet’s left main landing gear. However, investigators will also consider factors such as pilot error, weather conditions, and potential external interferences.

A spokesperson for the NTSB, Mark Phillips, provided an update: “We are currently in the early stages of our investigation. Our priority is to gather all necessary data, including maintenance records, pilot training logs, and black box recordings, to piece together the sequence of events leading up to this crash.”

Scottsdale Mayor’s Response

Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky issued a heartfelt statement regarding the tragedy, extending condolences to the victims and their families:

“Today, Scottsdale sadly experienced an aircraft accident at our airport. Based on the information provided thus far, it appears at least one person is dead after two jets collided on the runway at Scottsdale Airport. We are closely monitoring the situation, and we are in touch with airport, police, and federal agencies and will update the community as we have further information. 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.”

Impact on Airport Operations

Following the crash, Scottsdale Municipal Airport was temporarily shut down as emergency crews worked to clear debris and ensure the safety of remaining flights. The airport remained closed for several hours, with incoming and outgoing flights being rerouted to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. By 9:00 p.m., the airport resumed normal operations, though certain areas remained restricted for ongoing investigative purposes.

Aviation Safety Concerns

This tragic accident has reignited concerns about the safety of aging aircraft, particularly those used for private and chartered flights. The Learjet 35A, a model that has been in service since the 1970s, has faced scrutiny over mechanical failures in recent years. Experts urge stringent maintenance checks and regulatory updates to ensure the safety of passengers and crew aboard older aircraft.

Aviation analyst Robert Hastings commented, “While Learjets have a remarkable history in private aviation, incidents like this highlight the importance of routine inspections and modernizing outdated aircraft systems. The FAA and NTSB investigations will likely bring critical safety recommendations.”

The Road Ahead

As Scottsdale recovers from this tragedy, the aviation world awaits further insights from ongoing investigations. Captain Joe’s legacy as a skilled pilot and beloved figure in the community will not be forgotten, and the survivors will continue their recovery journeys with the support of family and medical professionals.

A memorial service for Captain Joe is expected to be announced soon, with tributes pouring in from aviation circles and fans alike. Meanwhile, the investigation into the exact cause of the accident will remain a priority for federal authorities.

This story remains ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information emerges.