Town statement regarding collision at Marana Regional Airport
Published on February 19, 2025
MARANA, ARIZ. – At approximately 8:30 AM on February 19, 2025, an incident involving two single-engine fixed-wing aircraft occurred at AVQ Marana Regional Airport. Tragically, two people on one aircraft were killed. The two people on the second aircraft were uninjured. Neither aircraft was based out of Marana Regional Airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that a Lancair and a Cessna 172 collided midair over the airport. Two people were on board each aircraft.
“On behalf of the Town of Marana and the Marana Regional Airport, our hearts go out to all the individuals and families impacted by this event,” said Airport Superintendent Galen Beem. “This is an unprecedented event, and we are grateful for the swift response from the Marana Police Department and Northwest Fire District.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA are actively investigating the incident. The NTSB will lead the investigation, and any further updates will be provided by them.
The Marana Regional Airport is temporarily closed as the investigation continues.
ABOUT THE MARANA REGIONAL AIRPORT
Marana Regional Airport is a non-towered general aviation reliever airport for Tucson International Airport. A reliever airport is designated by the Secretary of Transportation to relieve congestion at a commercial service airport and provide more general aviation access to the overall community. The Town of Marana is currently enrolled in the FAA Air Traffic Control Tower Program and working toward the future implementation of an air traffic control tower to enhance airport safety.
Background from the FAA: An “uncontrolled field” is an airport that does not have an operating ATC control tower. Pilots utilize a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) to regularly announce their position to other pilots who are in the airport vicinity. The Pilot-in-Command is responsible for maintaining safe separation from other aircraft. Pilots operating into uncontrolled fields are still required to comply with all Federal Aviation Regulations, including minimum visibilities, minimum safe altitudes, and right-of-way rules.