One Of The Aircraft Was Registered To A Phoenix Flight School

A mid-air collision involving two general aviation airplanes Friday has resulted in the fatal injury of the four people who were aboard the aircraft.

The accident occurred over the Arizona desert near Deer Valley Airport (KDVT) in a suburb of Phoenix. One of the aircraft involved was registered to Bird Acquisition LLC, which does business as TransPac aviation academy, according to a report appearing in the Associated Press.

Phoenix authorities said there were several witnesses who indicated they saw the aircraft collide. The weather was reported to be VFR at the time of the accident. Raw video of the wreckage posted by AZCenteral.com shows one of the airplanes to be largely intact. The other was destroyed by the impact and ensuing fire.

The Arizona Republic reports that the destroyed aircraft was believed to be a Cessna, the other was identified as a Piper Archer III owned by TransPac. Both aircraft were reportedly engaged in flight training when the accident occurred.

The occupants of the plane thought to be a Cessna were burned beyond recognition. None of those fatally injured has been identified pending notification of relatives.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov