Local News
Pilot who died in Scottsdale crash identified as 78-year-old Joie Vitosky
Scottsdale, AZ – The pilot who tragically lost his life in a private jet crash at Scottsdale Airport on Monday has been identified as 78-year-old Joie Vitosky, according to local authorities.
Vitosky, a highly experienced aviator with six decades of flying experience, was hailed as a hero by his family.
His daughter, Jana Schertzer, credited his skill and composure in the cockpit for saving the lives of the other passengers on board.
“I wholeheartedly believe that the reason those other passengers are alive is because of how he handled it yesterday,” Schertzer stated on Tuesday.
Vitosky’s passion for aviation spanned more than 60 years, beginning with his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he piloted helicopters before transitioning to jets.
Initially, he had intended to become an engineer, but his military service led him to a lifelong career in aviation, including multiple tours during the Vietnam War.
After leaving the Marines, Vitosky pursued a diverse flying career, piloting aircraft for prominent figures such as civil rights leader Jesse Jackson and Maureen Reagan, as well as corporate executives and oil industry leaders.
In addition to private charters, he also conducted critical transport flights, retrieving parts for companies like FedEx and flying transplant patients awaiting life-saving surgeries.
“It wasn’t just about flying wealthy clients,” Schertzer said. “There were so many people who genuinely needed his help—whether it was an emergency transport or a crucial medical flight.”
Vitosky’s love for flying extended to his family, with Schertzer recalling how she and her siblings often accompanied him on flights when seats were available.
“We’ve all grown up going on trips with my dad when we could—when there was space on the plane, and passengers didn’t mind,” she reminisced.
At 78 years old, Vitosky remained an active and capable pilot, defying assumptions about age. Schertzer emphasized that her father was in excellent health, with perfect vision, and came from a family with a history of longevity.
“He was the epitome of health,” she stated. “There was nothing wrong with him—his vision was even better than 20/20.”
The fatal accident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Monday when a Learjet 35A, arriving from Austin, Texas, experienced landing gear failure upon touchdown at Scottsdale Airport, according to airport officials.
The Learjet, which had two pilots (including Vitosky) and two passengers on board, veered off the runway and collided with a parked Gulfstream jet, which had one occupant inside.
Emergency responders reported that:
- Two individuals suffered critical injuries
- One person sustained non-life-threatening injuries
Air Traffic Response & Investigation
In audio recordings from air traffic control, controllers swiftly redirected nearby aircraft to avoid further complications.
One controller can be heard issuing a warning to an incoming aircraft:
“Maintain altitude and go around. We just had an emergency.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken over the investigation, with federal aviation officials working to determine the cause of the crash.
So far, the only other individual publicly identified from the crash is 43-year-old Rain Hannah Andreani, the girlfriend of Mötley Crüe lead singer Vince Neil.
Neil, who owns the Learjet, was not on board at the time of the crash, according to his legal representative Worrick Robinson IV, who addressed the incident via the band’s official Instagram account.
The runway at Scottsdale Airport was temporarily closed but reopened shortly before 9 p.m. Monday.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the landing gear failure and subsequent collision. The aviation community, friends, and family members of Joie Vitosky are mourning the loss of a seasoned pilot whose expertise in the skies was widely respected.
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.