Arizona plane crash: NTSB investigating after jets collide on airport runway

Federal investigators were working Tuesday to find out what led a pair of private jets to collide on a runway at a small airport in Scottsdale, Arizona, killing one person and injuring several others.

The crash occurred Monday afternoon when a Learjet owned by Mötley Crüe singer Vince Neilveered off the runway at Scottsdale Airport and hit a parked Gulfstream jet, officials said, adding that it appears the plane's landing gear had failed. No official cause of the crash has been announced.

One person was found dead when first responders arrived, said Scottsdale Fire Capt. Dave Folio at a news conference on Monday. Two people were taken to nearby trauma centers in critical condition. Another person was taken to a hospital in stable condition and a fourth person refused medical treatment, he said.

The Learjet, which was returning from Austin, had two pilots and two passengers on board, according to a statement from Worrick Robinson, Neil's legal representative. The singer was not on the plane at the time of the crash.

"Mr. Neil's thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved, and he is grateful for the critical aid of the first responders today," said a statement from Robinson.

One person was aboard the other Gulfstream jet when the aircraft collided. Officials have not publicly identified the fatal victim or those who were injured.

The incident is being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

Scottsdale Airport is a small municipal airport that serves as one of the premier corporate jet facilities in Arizona, according to the city's website. The airport, which reopened its runway Monday night, does not have any commercial commuter or airline service.

The collision came amid heightened scrutiny of U.S. air travel following a series of fatal incidents this year. Last week, 10 people were killed in a plane crash near Nome, Alaska. Late last month, a Medevac jet crashed in Philadelphia, killing seven people and injuring more than 20 others. In Washington, a passenger plane collided with a military helicopter, leaving 67 passengers and crew members dead.