Mesa, AZ (December 13, 2024) – Tragedy struck Falcon Field Airport in Mesa on Tuesday, December 12, when a small jet aircraft crashed shortly after an aborted takeoff, killing five people, including a child. The Honda HA-420 jet crashed through the airport perimeter fence and collided with a vehicle around 4:40 PM, according to officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Emergency responders from the Mesa Fire and Medical Department arrived swiftly to the scene, but the impact of the crash resulted in the tragic loss of five lives.
Four of the five individuals on board the plane were confirmed dead at the scene. They were identified as Spencer Lindahl, 43, Rustin Randall, 48, Drew Kimball, 44, and Graham Kimball, 12, all residents of Arizona. A fifth person survived the crash but was hospitalized with serious burn injuries. The driver of the vehicle involved in the crash also tragically died, though their identity has not been officially released pending confirmation.
Witnesses described the scene as harrowing. Joshua Golabi, a pilot who was at the airport at the time, reported hearing a loud pop followed by a plume of smoke. “It’s just very jarring and it’s a reminder to all pilots to always fly and maneuver as safely as you can,” Golabi stated, acknowledging the severity of the incident. The plane was completely consumed by flames shortly after the crash, adding to the devastation.
The NTSB is currently leading the investigation to determine the cause of the crash, including why the plane was forced to abort its takeoff.
Our thoughts remain with the families of those affected by this devastating crash.
Plane Crashes in Arizona
Incidents like the one at Falcon Field Airport are rare but serve as stark reminders of the risks associated with aviation, even in controlled environments like airports. Arizona, with its busy airspace and numerous small airports, has seen its share of aviation accidents. Although rare, such crashes can have catastrophic consequences, as evidenced by the tragic events at Falcon Field.
The safety protocols at airports, including measures to prevent accidents during takeoffs, are critical in preventing incidents like this. However, even with the best safety measures, unpredictable mechanical or human errors can sometimes lead to tragic results.
If you or a loved one is affected by an aviation accident, it’s important to seek legal and medical assistance. Injuries from plane crashes can be severe, and the families of those lost in such incidents often require both emotional and legal support in the aftermath. Local Accident Reports can provide guidance and help connect individuals to experienced professionals who specialize in aviation-related incidents.