Vince Neil’s Jet Crash Kills Pilot, Injures Three at Scottsdale Airport

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A private jet owned by Vince Neil, lead singer of Mötley Crüe, veered off the runway and collided with a parked aircraft on Monday, resulting in the death of a co-pilot and injuries to three others. The incident occurred at approximately 2:39 p.m. local time at Scottsdale Airport, according to airport officials.

Initial reports indicate that a failure of the Learjet’s left main landing gear caused the aircraft to slide uncontrollably off the runway, as stated by the City of Scottsdale. The Learjet, which was arriving from Austin, Texas, had four individuals on board: two pilots and two passengers, including Neil’s girlfriend, Rain Hannah.

Hannah, 43, was reported to have sustained five broken ribs but is expected to recover. Her friend, who was also a passenger, suffered minor injuries, and their two dogs, which were aboard the plane, survived without harm. The surviving pilot was transported to the hospital in critical condition, while a fifth individual aboard the parked Gulfstream jet refused medical assistance.

The deceased co-pilot, identified as 78-year-old Joie Vitosky, had been flying for decades and served in the Marine Corps, where he flew helicopters during the Vietnam War. His ex-wife, Ann Vitosky, expressed her sorrow, stating, “His passion was flying,” and reflected on how he would have cherished his final moments in the air.

Dramatic video footage from the crash shows the Learjet skidding down the tarmac before dramatically colliding with the side of the parked Gulfstream 200. Eyewitness Gordon Johnson, an aviation veteran, described seeing the front landing gear collapse before he witnessed the jet careen off the runway. “It could have been worse. It’s still really bad,” he remarked.

First responders swiftly arrived on the scene within one minute of impact. The Scottsdale Aviation Director, Gary P. Mascaro, expressed gratitude for their efforts, stating, “We offer our deepest condolences to those affected by this tragedy.”

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the incident. The Scottsdale Airport was temporarily closed following the crash, but operations resumed the next day.

Motley Crüe issued a statement expressing their condolences, confirming that the band would assist the family of the deceased pilot during this difficult time. “Vince’s thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved, and he is grateful for the critical aid of all first responders assisting today,” a representative for Neil stated.

The crash highlights the risk associated with private aviation, particularly during high-traffic periods at popular airports. As investigations proceed, aviation experts will look into the circumstances surrounding the landing gear failure and the subsequent crash.