Flight Instructor’s Chilling Encounter: Radio Screams Precede Marana Plane Crash

In a tragic incident that shook the local aviation community, a mid-air collision occurred near Marana Regional Airport, resulting in the loss of two lives. Eyewitness reports indicate that just before 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, a Cessna 172 collided with a Lancair 360. While the Cessna managed to land safely with its two occupants unharmed, the Lancair was not so fortunate, crashing and erupting into flames.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) dispatched investigators on Thursday to examine the debris scattered over the airport grounds. Photographic evidence showed a flatbed truck departing the scene, presumably transporting the wreckage for further analysis.

A preliminary report from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that the Cessna was engaged in instruction, while the Lancair was being piloted for personal use. The FAA findings suggest that the Lancair struck the Cessna from behind, raising questions about the circumstances leading to the crash.

Flight instructor Erwin Castillo, who is based at the airport, shared his account of the incident. Castillo stated that he was in the air with a student during the collision. He recalled hearing the Lancair pilot announce an intention to circle back for a landing. Moments later, Castillo heard a mayday call from the Cessna, alerting of the crash. He attempted to radio the Lancair, but the situation quickly escalated, and he had to navigate his way safely to the ground amidst the chaos.

Castillo, who has been flying since 2009, expressed disbelief at the incident’s severity. “In what I would call a familyhood, we want to ensure everyone is safe. I still believe air travel is safe for all of us,” he remarked.

Another witness, Jerry Witt, captured the moments leading up to the crash. He described the Cessna’s successful landing as a miracle, given the circumstances. However, Witt stated he could not comment further due to his status as a key witness for the NTSB investigation.

Marana Regional Airport currently operates without an air traffic control tower, a situation town officials are eager to rectify. Project Manager Greg Sendlak indicated plans for a tower are underway, with hopes of completion by March 2029. However, ongoing delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent federal executive orders have hindered progress.

The anticipated cost of the air traffic control tower project stands at approximately $18 million, and any additional setbacks could further increase expenses. Castillo believes that having an ATC could have averted this tragedy and emphasized the need for enhanced safety measures, especially considering the number of student pilots frequenting the airport.

Marana’s community has seen a steady rise in both population and airport usage, amplifying the urgency for improved aviation infrastructure.