Four People Killed After Two Airplanes Collide Midair Over Las Vegas

Four people have died following a horrific midair crash over North Las Vegas airport involving two aircraft, police confirmed on Sunday, 17 July 17.

The two single-engine planes collided over an active runway at approximately 12.00pm local time and police were called to the scene at 12.04pm, according to KTNV Las Vegas.

Police say one of the planes had been on course to land on the runway before it was struck by the other aircraft, resulting in both aircraft bursting into flames.

The Clark County Department of Aviation released a statement confirming the crash between two general aviation aircraft had resulted in multiple fatalities.

The two planes in question were a single-engine Piper PA-46 and a single-engine Cessna 172, which collided in the traffic pattern at North Las Vegas Airpot, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said. 

There were two people on each of the aircraft.

Details of the events leading to the collision are scarce, however, preliminary information indicates that the Piper PA-46 was on course to land when it collided with the Cessna 172.

The Piper aircraft landed in a field close to the runway, while the Cessna fell into a water retention pond.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board confirmed they are currently investigating the circumstance that led to the incident.

The airport also remains open for traffic. 

The incident comes just a day removed after a Ukrainian airline cargo plane crashed in Kavala, northern Greece.

Greek Civil Aviation authorities say the An-12 flight was heading from Serbia to Bangladesh and was operated by cargo carrier Meridian.

According to The Guardian, the aircraft had been carrying 11.5 tonnes of military and explosive products resulting in the plane bursting into flames upon collision.

Eight Ukrainian crew members were confirmed to have been killed in the crash. 

Serbia’s defence minister, Nebojša Stefanović confirmed the Bangladesh defence ministry to be the buyer of the cargo.

Seven fire engines had been deployed by local officials to the crash site, however, they were unable to approach due to the continued explosions.

Greece’s Civil Aviation Authority says the pilot had alerted authorities about a problem with one of the plane’s engines and had opted to make an emergency landing at Kavala airport.

However, communication with the plane ceased soon after, with the plane crashing about 40 kilometres away from the airport.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677