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.
Local News
Leah Levy Among Two Skydivers Killed in Midair Collision During Landing Near Lake Elsinore, California
LAKE ELSINORE, California — Two experienced skydivers, including Leah Levy, died after their parachutes became entangled during a midair collision while they were preparing to land at a skydiving event in Southern California on Friday.
The fatal accident occurred at Skydive Elsinore in Lake Elsinore, where two licensed and experienced skydivers were participating in an organized skydiving event.
According to a statement from Skydive Elsinore, the collision happened at approximately 150 feet above the ground as the two participants were approaching the landing area.
Both skydivers suffered critical injuries and were transported to a local hospital. They were later pronounced dead.
Skydive Elsinore said the initial stages of the jump, including the free-fall portion and parachute deployment, proceeded normally.
However, as the two skydivers prepared to land, they collided in midair at an altitude of approximately 150 feet, or about 46 meters, above the ground.
The impact caused their parachutes to become entangled, leaving both participants unable to complete their landings safely.
“The collision caused their parachutes to become entangled, and both sustained critical injuries when they reached the ground,” the company said in a statement.
The Riverside County Fire Department reported that both skydivers suffered traumatic injuries in the incident.
Emergency responders transported them to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite receiving medical attention, both later died from their injuries.
One of the victims was identified in the supplied information as Leah Levy. The second skydiver’s identity has not been provided.
Skydive Elsinore confirmed that both individuals were licensed and experienced skydivers participating in the organized event.
The company said the collision occurred during the final approach to landing, after the free fall and parachute-opening stages had reportedly gone normally.
The incident resulted in the deaths of both participants.
Further details about the circumstances surrounding the collision and any subsequent investigation have not been provided in the available information.