Spencer Lindahl, Rustin Randall, Drew Kimball, Graham Kimball, and one person killed in small-plane crash in Mesa, Arizona
Small jet crashes into vehicle after taking off from suburban Phoenix airport, killing 5 people
Television news video showed what appeared to be a large fire on a road near the airport.
5 are killed when small jet crashes into vehicle after taking off in suburban Phoenix
Authorities say five people were aboard the plane but haven’t specified whether they all died or whether anyone in the vehicle may have been among the victims.
Five dead after plane crash near Falcon Field in Mesa
As of late Tuesday night, one lane in each direction was reopened on McKellips Road. Greenfield Road is closed northbound at Brown and southbound at McDowell Road.
Police identify four of five who died after Mesa plane crash near Falcon Field
The driver of the vehicle who also died has not yet been identified.
Hundreds gather to remember father, son killed in Mesa plane crash
Cars lined the streets at sunset next to Grahm Kimball's school to remember the 12-year-old and his father Drew Kimball.
Preliminary report offers new details in plane crash that killed five people near Falcon Field
Preliminary reports do not typically offer a detailed explanation of what exactly caused a plane to crash, just additional details on the incident.
Fatal Private Jet Crash Near Phoenix's Falcon Field Airport Claims Five Lives in Mesa, Arizona
On Tuesday afternoon, a tragic aviation disaster unfolded in Mesa, Arizona, when a Honda HA-420 light business jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Falcon Field Airport, resulting in five fatalities. The incident occurred at approximately 4:40 PM when the aircraft failed to achieve proper altitude during takeoff and subsequently collided with a vehicle on a public roadway adjacent to the airport property. According to Mesa Police Department reports, the jet appeared to breach the airport's perimeter fencing before the fatal impact. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find both the aircraft and vehicle engulfed in flames, with thick smoke visible across the surrounding area. While authorities confirmed five deaths at the scene, they have not yet specified whether all victims were aircraft occupants or if any vehicle occupants were among the deceased. The crash site remains under active investigation, with local authorities securing the perimeter and restricting access to the area.
Location and Infrastructure
Falcon Field Airport, located in the northeastern portion of Mesa, is one of the Phoenix metropolitan area's busiest general aviation facilities. The airport features two parallel runways, with the main runway extending 5,100 feet, well exceeding the Honda HA-420's required 4,000-foot takeoff distance. The facility is surrounded by major arterial roads that service both residential and commercial areas, including significant retail developments and business parks. The crash occurred near one of the airport's perimeter roads, which typically experiences moderate traffic flow during business hours. The airport's proximity to urban development has historically raised concerns about the interface between aviation operations and ground transportation infrastructure.
Legal Rights and Considerations
Under Arizona state law, aviation accidents involve complex liability considerations that may implicate multiple parties, including aircraft operators, manufacturers, and maintenance providers. The state's comparative negligence statutes may affect how liability is determined and compensation is allocated among responsible parties. Victims' families typically have two years from the date of the accident to file wrongful death claims under Arizona's statute of limitations. Potential compensation may include economic damages such as lost wages and funeral expenses, as well as non-economic damages for loss of companionship and emotional distress. Insurance claims may involve both aviation policies and standard auto insurance coverage, given the involvement of a ground vehicle. An experienced Mesa personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the complicated legal claim.
Related Resources:
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- Emergency Services:
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- Mesa Police Department: (480) 644-2211
- Mesa Fire and Medical Department: (480) 644-2101
- Banner Desert Medical Center Trauma Center: (480) 412-3000
- Traffic Safety Resources:
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- Arizona Department of Transportation Safety Division
- Mesa Transportation Department
- Arizona Aviation Safety Advisory Group
- Support Services:
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- National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Family Assistance
- Arizona Crisis Response Network
- Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Center
- Regulatory Information:
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- Arizona Revised Statutes Title 28 (Transportation)
- FAA Regulations and Policies
- NTSB Aviation Accident Investigation Procedures
What every family needs to know about Mesa wrongful death claims
When someone is killed in a car, truck, bicycle, pedestrian, or other kind of accident, family members left behind must cope with the tragedy as best they can. Many important decisions need to be made, and a wrongful death claim needs to be filed. An experienced Mesa accident lawyer can help.
In Mesa, a claim can be filed only by specific family members, but there are strict requirements and deadlines that must be met. It is critical to talk with a Mesa wrongful death attorney to get the information and advice needed to move forward.