A 12-year-old boy is among five people killed after a small jet crashed moments after takeoff Phoenix, authorities said.
The Honda HA-420 plane took off around 4:40 p.m. Tuesday from Falcon Field Airport in Mesa, but struck a vehicle outside the airport minutes later and burst into flames.
Five people were on the plane at the time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Four died while one – a flight crew member – survived after suffering serious injuries, according to the FAA’s preliminary accident report.
The Mesa Police Department released the identities of four of the five victims Wednesday.
Their names were Spencer Lindahl, 43; Rustin Randall, 48; Drew Kimball, 44; Graham Kimball, 12 years old. The driver of the car involved was also killed, but police have not released his identity.
Video captured what appeared to be a burning wreck on a road near the airport, the Associated Press reported.
The cause of the accident is currently unknown and an investigation involving the FAA, National Transportation Safety Board and Mesa authorities is underway.
Officials said Greenfield Road will be closed in both directions between McKellips and McDowell roads for a significant period of time.
“Our community suffered a tragic loss this afternoon,” Mesa Fire spokeswoman Marrisa Ramirez-Ramos said.
We’re working a plane crash at Greenfield and McKellips Road in Mesa. The entire area will be closed for several hours. Please seek an alternative route. pic.twitter.com/zJsOexMBLU
– Mesa Police Department (@MesaPD) November 6, 2024
Joshua Golabi, a pilot at the scene during the incident, told MSNBC that he was about to board his own plane before hearing a “pop and seeing a plume of smoke.”
“He went through that low point. He crossed the road through the metal fence that they have, through I believe some concrete walls,” Golabi said. “We were about to get on our plane and leave when we heard a noise and saw a plume of smoke.”
NTSB investigators are on scene and more are expected to arrive Wednesday, officials said. The plane will be taken to a secure facility for further investigation and a preliminary report is expected to be available within 30 days.
“It’s just very shocking and reminds all pilots to always fly and maneuver as safely as possible,” Golabi added.
