Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil's private jet was involved in a tragic accident at Scottsdale Airport, Arizona, on Monday, February 10. The incident shocked fans and aviation watchers alike, as it resulted not only in the death of the pilot but also left Neil's girlfriend, Rain Andreani, and her friend injured.
The crash occurred as Neil's Learjet 35A attempted to land at approximately 2:40 p.m. local time. According to reports, the aircraft veered off the runway and collided with another parked jet, identified as a Gulfstream 200. Neil, who was not on board at the time, expressed his devastation over the incident, with his representative stating, "Mr. Neil's thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved, and he is grateful for the aid of all first responders assisting today."
Rain Andreani, 43, reportedly suffered significant injuries, including five broken ribs, and was taken to the hospital alongside her friend, Ashley. Fortunately, their injuries are not considered life-threatening, and the couple's dogs, who were also on the plane, survived the crash.
Motley Crue confirmed the details through social media, emphasizing the loss of the pilot, who was critically injured during the collision. "Earlier today, a private plane owned by Vince Neil was involved in a crash near Scottsdale, AZ. The pilot was tragically killed; the co-pilot and other passengers were taken to local hospitals," the post stated.
Eyewitness reports and local authorities like Captain Dave Folio from Scottsdale Fire Department indicated the chaotic scene following the incident. Folio reported, "We had five patients we treated. One was a fatality, we had two immediate (patients) transported to local trauma centers, and one patient refused treatment." He confirmed recovery efforts were underway for the deceased.
Kelli Kuester, the aviation planning and outreach coordinator at the Scottsdale Airport, stated the preliminary investigation suggested the left main landing gear of the Learjet failed upon landing, causing it to crash.
Following the crash, the Scottsdale Airport has remained closed for flights, with investigations being conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A representative from the FAA confirmed the aircraft was arriving from Austin, Texas, at the time of the incident. "The runway will remain closed for the foreseeable future," Kuester added.
Vince Neil, who has been dating Andreani for nearly 14 years, has expressed his heartbreak over the situation. His manager shared, "While details are still coming out, our hearts go out to the families of the pilot who lost his life and the passengers who suffered injuries."
The band plans to announce ways to support the deceased pilot's family amid the tragedy. This sentiment was echoed on their official social media channels, where they reiterated their commitment to assisting those affected.
This unfortunate event is part of a worrisome trend, with several aviation disasters reported recently. Just weeks prior, multiple catastrophic incidents occurred, including the crash of medical transportation planes and commuter aircraft, causing panic surrounding aviation safety standards and protocols.
Motley Crue, known for their hard-partying image and loud performances, has been one of rock and roll's defining bands since their inception. They have sold over 100 million records globally and were inducted onto the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The incident at Scottsdale Airport not only highlights aviation risks but also impacts the band, who are reportedly preparing for their upcoming Las Vegas residency next month.
Despite his distress, Neil’s representatives insist he remains focused on the well-being of those involved. The band continues to express their condolences for the pilot's family and hopes to make impactful contributions toward their support.
The FAA's investigation will seek to clarify the circumstances surrounding the crash. It is hoped this will provide insights not just for Neil's team but also for broader aviation practices.
This heartbreaking incident has ushered in waves of public sympathy for the victims, with Neil at the forefront, reflecting on both the personal and professional ramifications stemming from such tragedies.