Local News
5 dead after small plane crashes into vehicles near Falcon Field in Mesa, Arizona
Mesa police reported a tragic plane crash that occurred Tuesday afternoon shortly after takeoff from Falcon Field Airport.
A single-engine aircraft went down, striking a vehicle on Greenfield Road in Mesa, Arizona.
Authorities confirmed that five people lost their lives in the crash, with two of the victims identified as Spencer Lindahl and Rustin Randall.
Two of the victims in the crash were a father and his young son from Chandler. Tragically, this family also lost another son, a minor, in December of last year. Their family originally had four children; now, only the mother, a daughter, and one son remain.
Following the incident, several road closures were put in place: northbound Greenfield Road is closed at Brown Road, while the southbound lane is closed at McDowell Road.
McKellips Road is also closed eastbound at Val Vista Drive and westbound at Higley Road.
Police are advising motorists to avoid the area to allow emergency responders and investigative teams to work safely.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken the lead in the investigation, coordinating efforts with multiple local and federal agencies to determine the cause of the crash.
HARTFORD, IL — Newly released video footage reveals the harrowing moments of an ARCH Air Medical helicopter crash that occurred during a nighttime training exercise in Hartford, Illinois.
The incident took place around 9:00 p.m. on Thursday in a vacant lot near North Delmar Avenue, directly across from the Hartford Fire Department.
The video shows the helicopter attempting to lift off when one of its rotor blades struck a tree limb approximately 50 feet above ground.
The impact caused the aircraft to lose control, flip, and crash to the ground, where it immediately caught fire.
A thick plume of smoke and the glow of flames could be seen from blocks away.
In the aftermath of the crash, one of the individuals on board — identified in the video by a blue uniform — can be seen walking away from the burning wreckage.
Another survivor is shown being carried on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance.
Emergency personnel from the Hartford, South Roxana, and Wood River Fire Departments quickly responded to the scene.
The crash’s proximity to the fire station allowed first responders to act swiftly, containing the fire and rescuing the occupants.
Officials confirmed that all three people aboard the helicopter survived and were transported to area hospitals.
Two were taken by ground ambulance, while a third was airlifted by another ARCH Air Medical helicopter. Their medical conditions have not yet been released.
The crash resulted in a strong odor of aviation fuel that permeated the downtown Hartford area throughout the evening.
Authorities cordoned off the site while crews worked to stabilize the scene and mitigate any fire hazards.
The helicopter was participating in a routine training mission when the incident occurred.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are conducting a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
ARCH Air Medical has not yet released an official statement.
More details will be provided as the investigation continues and additional information becomes available.