Two people have died after two small planes collided in mid-air at an airport in Arizona, officials have confirmed.
The fatal crash occurred at 8:25am local time on Wednesday when a Lancair and a Cessna aircraft collided at Marana Regional Airport, approximately 20 miles north of Tucson - Arizona's second largest city.
Both jets were carrying two passengers at the time of the incident, with the two fatalities occurring in the same plane whilst the other two people escaped uninjured.
The planes collided whilst upwind of runway 12, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
The crash happened at Marana Regional Airport, approximately 20 miles north of Tucson - Arizona's second largest city
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The Cessna failed to land successfully following the collision, whilst the Lancair struck the ground near runway 3, resulting in a post-impact fire.
Neither of the aircrafts involved in the crash were based at Marana Regional Airport, local officials confirmed.
Pictures from the scene showed large plumes of grey smoke billowing into the sky.
Marana Regional Airport was temporarily closed whilst investigations continue.
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The Cessna failed to land successfully following the collision, whilst the Lancair struck the ground near runway 3, resulting in a post-impact fire
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Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident, with the NTSB taking the lead role.
Airport Superintendent Galen Beem said in a statement: "On behalf of the Town of Marana and the Marana Regional Airport, our hearts go out to all the individuals and families impacted by this event.
"This is an unprecedented event, and we are grateful for the swift response from the Marana Police Department and Northwest Fire District."
Marana Regional Airport operates as an uncontrolled field without an air traffic control tower.
The planes collided whilst upwind of runway 12, according to the National Transportation Safety Board
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Pilots using the airport must communicate their position to other aircrafts in the vicinity using a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency.
