Officials report 2 dead after midair collision of small planes in Arizona.

 Officials report 2 dead after midair collision of small planes in Arizona.

Two Dead After Midair Collision Between Small Planes at Arizona Airport

Two people were killed when two small aircraft collided midair Wednesday morning near Marana Regional Airport, northwest of Tucson, according to authorities.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that a Cessna 172S and a Lancair 360 MK II collided at 8:28 a.m. while upwind of runway 12. The Cessna managed to land safely, while the Lancair crashed and caught fire near the other runway.

The Marana Police Department confirmed two fatalities. Each aircraft carried two occupants, but the Cessna’s pilots—who were part of the AeroGuard flight training school—were unharmed, according to the Associated Press.

The airport remains closed as investigations continue. "Our hearts go out to all individuals and families impacted by this event," said airport Superintendent Galen Beem, expressing gratitude for the swift response from local emergency services.

Marana Regional Airport operates as an "uncontrolled field," meaning it lacks an air traffic control tower. Pilots rely on a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency to coordinate their movements.

This incident is part of a recent string of aviation accidents, including the deadly January 29 collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Despite recent high-profile crashes, preliminary NTSB data indicates a record low number of accidents nationwide for private and commercial flights. However, smaller aircraft, which are subject to less stringent regulations than major air carriers, statistically face a higher risk of incidents.