MESA, Ariz. — Five people are dead after a plane crashed into a car near Falcon Field, according to the Mesa Fire Department.
“Our community suffered a tragic loss this afternoon,” Mesa Fire spokesperson Marrisa Ramirez-Ramos said.
The National Transportation Safety Board said a Honda HA-410 crashed through a fence and into a car after aborting takeoff at Falcon Field. The crash happened around 4:40 p.m. on Tuesday.
The identities of the five deceased individuals have not been released.
“He went through that dip. He went past the road through the metal gated fence that they have, through I believe a few concrete walls,” said Joshua Golabi, a witness.
Golabi, also a pilot, didn’t see the impact, but heard it.
“We were just about to get into our aircraft and go when we heard a pop and saw a plume of smoke,” Golabi said.
The plane was consumed in flames when Sky12 arrived at the scene.
“Aviation is a difficult industry. I’m just sending out my prayers to any survivors, the families,” said Tre Franklin, a pilot.
The East Valley’s aviation community is mourning the loss.
“It’s just very jarring and it’s a reminder to all pilots to always fly and maneuver as safe as you can,” Golabi said.
Investigators with the NTSB are at the scene and more are expected to arrive Wednesday, officials said. The plane will be taken to a secure facility for further investigation.
“NTSB investigations involve three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment,” officials with the NTSB said. “As part of this process, investigators will gather the following information and records:
- Flight track data
- Recordings of any air traffic control communications
- Aircraft maintenance records
- Weather forecasts and actual weather and lighting conditions around the time of the accident
- Pilot’s license, ratings and recency of flight experience
- 72-hour background of the pilot to determine if there were any issues that could have affected the pilot’s ability to safety operate the flight
- Witness statements
- Electronic devices that could contain information relevant to the investigation
- Any available surveillance video, including from doorbell cameras
Investigators ask that any witnesses or anyone who may have footage of the crash to contact the NTSB by emailing [email protected].
A preliminary report should be available within 30 days. A final report will be issued in one to two years.
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