At least two people died following the mid-air collision of two single-engine planes on Wednesday at the Marana Regional Airport in the state of Arizona, marking yet another aviation accident in the United States.
The collision involved a Cessna 172S and a Lancair 360 MK II, both fixed-wing, single-engine aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the accident occurred around 8:30 a.m. in an airspace without operational air traffic control.
In this type of airfield, pilots must use common traffic frequencies to coordinate their movements.
According to eyewitnesses, the Lancair 360 MK II collided with the Cessna 172S in mid-air, causing the second aircraft to make an emergency landing, while the Lancair plummeted to the ground, resulting in a fire at the crash site.
The first images captured at the accident site show a dense column of black smoke rising from the impact area.
Residents in the area reported hearing a loud explosion before noticing the flames on the horizon.
Local and federal authorities have cordoned off the affected area while the NTSB and FAA examine the wreckage of the aircraft to determine the causes of the accident.
Investigators are expected to document the scene and conduct a detailed analysis of the circumstances that led to the collision.
The Marana Police Department confirmed the presence of emergency teams at the scene and announced a press conference to provide more details about the incident.
One of the key aspects of the investigation will be to determine whether the pilots involved followed the established communication protocols for operating in uncontrolled airspace.
The FAA has reminded that at this type of airport, it is crucial for pilots to maintain constant contact to avoid collisions.
A new episode in a worrying series of aviation accidents
This incident adds to a series of aircraft accidents that have occurred in the United States in recent weeks, both in the military and civilian sectors.
On January 29 a commercial airplane and an army helicopter collided near the capital, resulting in 67 fatalities.
- On January 31, a medical transport plane crashed in Philadelphia, claiming the lives of six people on board and one on the ground.
-Last week, a small passenger plane crashed in Alaska, resulting in the deaths of ten people.
-On February 10, a tragic plane accident occurred on the afternoon of this Monday at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona, resulting in one fatality and several injuries, after a private plane collided with another aircraft parked on the runway.
- On February 12, a U.S. Navy E/A-18G Growler military aircraft crashed into San Diego Bay, California. In this instance, the two crew members managed to eject before the impact and were successfully rescued, according to authorities.
- On February 15, two people died after a Rockwell Commander airplane crashed at the Covington Municipal Airport, located about 55 kilometers east of Atlanta, Georgia.
-Additionally, on February 17, a Delta Airlines plane overturned while landing at Pearson International Airport in Toronto, and left at least 15 injured, three of them seriously.
Mass layoffs at the Federal Aviation Administration
In that context, it was recently reported that the administration of Donald Trump has begun mass layoffs at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
This measure has prompted strong reactions from unions, lawmakers, and aviation security experts, who warn about the risks of reducing staff at a critical time.
The union representing FAA employees described the decision as "hasty" and warned that it would increase the workload of an already strained workforce.
Among those affected are maintenance mechanics, aviation information specialists, environmental protection specialists, aviation safety assistants, and program and management assistants.
Frequently Asked Questions about the airplane accident in Arizona and aviation safety in the U.S.
What happened in the plane crash in Arizona?
The accident involved the collision of two single-engine planes in mid-air near Marana Regional Airport, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. One of the aircraft managed to make an emergency landing, while the other crashed and caught fire.
Why is the increase in air accidents in the U.S. significant?
The recent rise in airplane accidents in the U.S., including the one that occurred in Arizona, is concerning as it adds to a series of recent fatal incidents. This has sparked debate about air safety and the ability of FAA personnel to manage the situation in light of recent layoffs.
How does the reduction of personnel in the FAA affect aviation safety?
The reduction of personnel in the FAA has raised concerns among aviation safety experts, who warn that this measure may increase the workload and compromise the ability to adequately oversee air operations, which is critical in the current context of rising accidents.
What communication measures should pilots follow at aerodromes without air traffic control?
In aerodromes without an operational control tower, such as Marana, pilots must coordinate their movements using common traffic frequencies. This protocol is essential for preventing collisions and ensuring safety in the air.
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