SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A pilot is dead following a jet collision reported Monday afternoon at the city airport in Scottsdale.

The crash temporarily closed down the airport runway, which reopened Tuesday morning.

The deceased pilot was identified Tuesday as 78-year-old Joie Vitosky. The medical examiner will determine Vitosky's cause of death.

According to the FAA, a Learjet 35A veered off the runway after landing and crashed into a Gulfstream 200 business jet on the ramp at around 2:45 p.m.

Scottsdale Fire Department Public Information Officer Dave Folio said in a news conference that the Learjet veered off the runway after its main landing gear failed.

The Learjet is registered to Chromed in Hollywood, Inc., which is owned by Motley Crue's Vince Neil. The Gulf Stream is owned by a private jet charter company based in the Scottsdale Airpark, Jet Pros, LLC.

"On board Mr. Neil’s plane were two pilots and two passengers. Mr. Neil was not on the plane," the law firm that represents Neil, Worrick Robinson Law, told 12News in a statement. "Mr. Neil’s thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved, and he is grateful for the critical aid of all first responders assisting today."

"On behalf of the city of Scottsdale, we offer our deepest condolences to those involved in the accident and for those who have been taken to our trauma center for treatment. We will keep all affected by this tragedy in our prayers."


This is a developing story and more info will be published as it becomes available.