On Monday, a tragic incident unfolded at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona when a private jet owned by Vince Neil, the lead singer of the iconic rock band Mötley Crüe, crashed after experiencing a landing gear failure. The Learjet, which was not carrying Neil at the time, skidded off the runway and collided with a parked private jet, resulting in the death of the co-pilot and injuring three others, including Neil’s girlfriend, Rain Hannah, and her friend. The crash occurred at around 2:39 p.m. local time, and emergency responders were on the scene within minutes to assist the victims and secure the area.
According to officials, the Learjet’s left main landing gear failed upon landing, causing the aircraft to lose control and veer off the runway. Video footage captured the harrowing moment as the jet skidded across the tarmac at high speed, its nose pressed against the concrete, before colliding with a larger parked private jet, an Israel Aircraft Industries Gulfstream 200. The impact was severe, with the front of the Gulfstream lifting and moving forward several feet. Miraculously, a fifth person inside the parked jet declined medical attention, but the consequences for those on Neil’s plane were devastating. Among the injured were the second pilot, Rain Hannah, and her friend, while a fourth person was critically injured and transported to a trauma center.
The deceased co-pilot, 78-year-old Joie Vitosky, was a highly experienced aviator with a storied career in aviation. A certificated flight engineer since 1978 and a licensed pilot since 2019, Vitosky had a deep passion for flying that spanned decades. His ex-wife, Ann Vitosky, shared that he had joined the Marine Corps in his early 20s specifically to pursue his love of flying. Vitosky went on to become a Marine Corps aviator, flying helicopters in Vietnam in 1969. After more than a decade of service, he transitioned to flying Learjets, a role he held until his death. Ann Vitosky described her ex-husband as a man who lived for flying, stating that he died doing what he loved and that he would have been content with the manner of his passing. The couple shared three children and four grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of love, family, and a life dedicated to the skies.
The crash sent shockwaves through the aviation community and beyond, with many expressing gratitude for the swift response of first responders and airport staff. Scottsdale Aviation Director Gary P. Mascaro praised the efforts of the emergency personnel, saying, “I am extremely grateful to the first responders and airport operations staff on scene today for their swift action and service. We offer our deepest condolences to those affected by this tragedy.” Scottsdale Fire Capt. Dave Folio added that one person was trapped in the wreckage of Neil’s jet but was successfully freed by rescuers. Rain Hannah, Neil’s girlfriend, suffered five broken ribs, but her condition was stable. The two passengers had dogs with them on the plane, both of which survived the crash unharmed.
Eyewitnesses, including aviation veteran Gordan Johnson, described the terrifying scene as the Learjet’s front landing gear collapsed upon landing, causing the aircraft to skid off the runway to the left. Johnson, who has spent 35 years in the aviation industry, recounted the harrowing moment, providing a chilling account of the events as they unfolded. The Learjet, registered to Chromed in Hollywood, Inc., a Wyoming-based company where Neil is listed as a director, had flown in from Austin, Texas, before the tragic accident occurred. The runway was reopened later that night at 10:38 p.m., but the incident left a lasting impact on all involved.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash, working to determine the exact cause of the landing gear failure and whether it was due to mechanical issues, pilot error, or other factors. As authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the crash, the aviation community and fans of Vince Neil are left to grapple with the loss of life and the fragility of flight. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in aviation, even as the NTSB and other regulatory bodies work tirelessly to improve safety standards. For now, the focus remains on supporting the families of the victims and ensuring that such a tragedy is never repeated.
