Four people are confirmed dead after two small aircraft were involved in a mid-air collision at North Las Vegas airport (VGT).
The crash occurred at approximately 12:00 noon on July 17, 2022, after two single-engine aircraft, a Cessna 172 and a Piper PA46, collided over an active runway at VGT.
Each aircraft carried two people.
According to a statement by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) seen by local media, the Piper PA-46 collided with the Cessna 172 as it was preparing to land. The Piper crashed into a field, while the Cessna went into a water retention pond.
The City of North Las Vegas Fire Department confirmed via a tweet that it responded to a mid-air collision report at VGT. It also confirmed four fatalities.
Incident Alert- at aprox 12pm today NLVFD and LVFR crews responded to a report of a mid air collision at the North Las Vegas airport. At this time there are 4 reported fatalities. Accident is still under investigation. pic.twitter.com/HhyeCDLrnE
— CNLV Fire Department (@NLVFireDept) July 17, 2022
A pilot-photographer and US Air Force veteran who claimed to have witnessed the collision was able to capture on video the remnants of one of the aircraft with fire and smoke still billowing from the plane.
It was a very hard day at N. #LasVegas Airport as I witnessed a horrible mid-air collision between a Cessna 172 & a Piper PA46 Jet Prop. My heart goes out to the families of those who passed away today. @LasVegasLocally @LasVegasSun @reviewjournal @News3LV (c) JAL 2022 pic.twitter.com/wAwCPxB2Gm
— Hawkpilot9AL (@JeffreyLustick) July 18, 2022
The accident is currently under investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).