Local News
Pilot killed in Scottsdale Airport plane crash identified as Captain Joie Vitosky
Scottsdale, AZ – A tragic aviation accident occurred at Scottsdale Municipal Airport on Monday, February 10, 2025, when a Learjet 35A, registered to Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil, veered off the runway upon landing and collided with a parked Gulfstream 200 business jet.
The crash resulted in one fatality and four injuries, including Neil’s girlfriend, Rain, and a friend, who were on board at the time.
According to airport officials, the Learjet 35A was arriving from Austin, Texas, when it experienced a mechanical failure, specifically a left main landing gear malfunction, which led to the aircraft veering off the runway and striking the parked jet.
At approximately 2:45 p.m. local time, emergency responders from Scottsdale Fire Department arrived at the scene and confirmed that one individual had died on impact.
Three others were transported to local hospitals for treatment of varying injuries, while one person declined medical assistance.
Sources have confirmed that Captain Joie Vitosky, the Learjet’s pilot, was the sole fatality in the crash. Captain Joie Vitosky was described as a seasoned aviator and a generous and kind individual who had previously provided fans with memorable interactions with Vince Neil.
Among the survivors are:
- Rain, Vince Neil’s girlfriend, who reportedly suffered five broken ribs.
- Ashley, a friend of Rain, who was also injured.
- The Learjet’s first officer, who sustained serious injuries.
- Two dogs traveling with the passengers survived the incident.
Despite owning the aircraft, Vince Neil was not on board at the time of the crash. In a statement released by Neil’s management team, they confirmed:
“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 Mr. Neil’s plane 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.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The FAA issued a temporary flight suspension at Scottsdale Municipal Airport as authorities secured the scene.
The FAA released an official statement, confirming:
“A Learjet 35A veered off the runway after landing and crashed into a Gulfstream 200 business jet on the ramp at Scottsdale Municipal Airport in Arizona around 2:45 p.m. local time Monday, Feb. 10. We do not know how many people were on board. The FAA is temporarily pausing flights into the airport.”
Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky also issued a statement regarding the tragic event:
*”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.
The accident happened just before 3 p.m. when a Learjet 35A veered off the runway after landing, according to information provided by the Federal Aviation Administration. Currently, the airport is closed.
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.
I would also like to thank our first responder community for their quick action and service in this situation.”*
Following several hours of closure for investigation and debris removal, Scottsdale Municipal Airport reopened the runway at approximately 9:00 p.m.
This is an ongoing investigation. Officials will release further details as more information becomes available.
EAST AURORA, N.Y. — Emergency crews responded to the Aurora Theatre at 673 Main Street in the Village of East Aurora on Sunday following a ceiling collapse inside the historic building while students and chaperones were present.
Officials said construction activity inside the two-story brick structure led to a portion of the ceiling giving way during a scheduled event.
At the time of the incident, approximately 68 students and adult chaperones were inside the theater.
First responders confirmed there was no entrapment and the collapse was limited in scope.
Emergency Medical Services evaluated six pediatric patients for minor injuries at the scene. No serious injuries were reported.
Fire and safety officials secured the area and conducted a structural assessment to ensure the remainder of the building was safe.
Authorities said the incident remains under review, including the circumstances surrounding the construction work that preceded the collapse.
Further information will be released as the investigation continues.