A tragic accident at Scottsdale Municipal Airport on February 10, 2025, has put the spotlight on the infamous Vince Neil plane crash—though the rock star himself was not aboard. The incident involved a Learjet 35A, owned by a company associated with Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil, veering off the runway and colliding with a parked Gulfstream 200 business jet. This plane crash in Scottsdale has resulted in one fatality, multiple injuries, and has raised serious concerns about aircraft safety and maintenance.
Who Is Vince Neil?
Vince Neil is the iconic lead vocalist of the legendary heavy metal band Mötley Crüe. Known for his flamboyant style and rock star persona, Neil has been a prominent figure in the music industry for decades. Although his private jet was involved in this accident, Vince Neil was not on board the aircraft during the crash.
According to Mötley Crüe’s manager, Allen Kovac, Vince Neil’s girlfriend, known as Rain, and her friend Ashley were on the plane at the time of the accident. Rain sustained five broken ribs, and Ashley was hospitalized with injuries. The couple was traveling with a couple of dogs, which thankfully survived the incident. The jet, a 1989 model Learjet 35A, is registered under Chromed In Hollywood, a company based in Franklin, Tennessee, with Vince Neil listed as a principal agent. This connection has led many to refer to the incident as the Vince Neil jet crash.
What Happened at Scottsdale Airport?
The crash occurred around 2:45 p.m. local time when the Learjet 35A, en route from Austin, Texas, encountered a left main landing gear failure upon landing at Scottsdale Municipal Airport. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the malfunction forced the jet to veer off the runway and strike a stationary Gulfstream 200 on the ramp. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, and the runway was closed for several hours as authorities conducted their initial investigations.
Local reports from Scottsdale described a chaotic scene with firefighters and hazmat units on site. The accident resulted in at least one confirmed death, while several others were injured. One victim remained trapped inside the wreckage for an extended period until extrication efforts could safely remove them. The incident has been widely reported as a Scottsdale crash that highlights potential safety issues at regional airports.
Scottsdale‘s Officials Response to The Incident
Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky issued a statement shortly after the accident, expressing her sorrow for the loss of life and the injuries sustained. “Today, Scottsdale sadly experienced an aircraft accident at our airport,” she said. “Based on the information provided thus far, it appears at least one person is dead after two jets collided on the runway.” The mayor emphasized that the city is working closely with airport officials, police, and federal agencies to determine the exact cause of the crash and to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The FAA confirmed that the left main landing gear failure was the primary factor that led to the incident. Preliminary investigations are ongoing, with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) expected to provide a comprehensive report on the cause of the malfunction.
Mötley Crüe’s Response
Mötley Crüe, the band with which Vince Neil is synonymous, quickly released a statement through their official channels. The statement expressed condolences for the victims and their families, confirming that Vince Neil was not on the aircraft. “Our hearts go out to the families of both the pilot and the passengers who suffered injuries,” the statement read, adding that the band is exploring ways to support the affected families. Fellow rock musicians, including Bret Michaels of Poison, have also offered their condolences and support.
The crash has sparked discussions within the aviation community about the safety and maintenance standards of private jets. With Vince Neil’s high-profile association and the media attention surrounding the incident, many are now scrutinizing how such malfunctions occur and what can be done to prevent them.
Although Vince Neil was not on board during the crash, the tragedy has sparked widespread concern and deep sympathy for the victims and their families. As authorities continue to investigate the incident, Vince Neil’s high-profile association will undoubtedly influence conversations around private aircraft safety for years to come.
Stay tuned for further updates as more details emerge from the ongoing investigation.
