Two dead after planes collide at Arizona airport, the latest horrific crash in the US

Two planes have collided mid-air in Arizona, the seventh plane tragedy in the US in weeks.

Two people have died after their planes collided mid-air at an airport in Arizona, making it the seventh air disaster in the US in just three weeks.

Stunning photos capture the aftermath of a fiery crash where two planes collided at Marana Regional Airport near Tucson, Arizona, on Wednesday (local time).

Emergency crews rushed to Marana Regional Airport at 8:30am local time following reports of a downed aircraft.

Authorities quickly determined that a Cessna 172S and a Lancair 360 MK II had collided mid-air.

Each plane had two people on board, and helicopter footage showed that one of the aircraft remained largely intact.

Bystander photos captured thick black smoke filling the sky, while aerial footage revealed one of the planes shattered into pieces, with debris still smouldering in a nearby field.

Stunning photos capture the aftermath of a fiery crash where two planes collided at Marana Regional Airport near Tucson, Arizona: Picture: KNXV

Another aircraft, surrounded by police tape at the airport, was spotted, though it was unclear whether it was involved in the crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched an investigation, but details remain limited.

Marana Regional Airport operates in uncontrolled airspace, meaning it lacks an air traffic control tower.

According to local reports, a control tower was initially scheduled for installation by the end of 2024, but pandemic-related delays have pushed the deadline to 2029.

In uncontrolled airspace, pilots are responsible for announcing their positions to other aircraft in or near the airport.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched an investigation, but details remain limited. Picture: KNXV

Pilots are responsible for maintaining a safe distance from other aircraft while adhering to FAA regulations.

This includes following minimum visibility requirements, maintaining safe altitudes, and observing right-of-way rules.

The latest deadly disaster marks the seventh plane crash in three weeks following the devastating midair collision in Washington DC that killed 67.

Earlier this week, a Delta plane crashed on a snow-covered runway at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada.

Dramatic footage captured the aircraft overturned, leaving passengers suspended in their seats.

Travellers had to climb through doors and windows to escape the wreckage.

Originally published as Two dead after planes collide at Arizona airport, the latest horrific crash in the US