What happened
On February 19, 2025, at approximately 08:28 MST, a Lancair 3,60 Mk II, registration N3602M, and a Cessna 172S, registration N463ER, were involved in a mid-air collision near Marana Regional Airport (AVQ) in Marana, Arizona. The collision occurred at an altitude of approximately 150 feet above ground level (AGL) over the intersection of runway 12/30 and runway 3/21.
The Cessna 172S was operating an instructional flight. The flight instructor and student pilot had arrived at AVQ from Chandler Municipal Airport, entered the traffic pattern, and completed a touch-and-go on runway 12. While the Cessna was performing a stop-and-go maneuver (a short-field landing and takeoff), the Lancair entered the pattern from the northwest. The Lancair pilot initially attempted an approach to runway 12 but performed a go-around due to conflicting traffic, remaining in the pattern behind the Cessna.
During the Cessna's takeoff roll, the flight instructor observed via ADS-B information on an iPad that the Lancair was converging on their aircraft from behind. As the instructor attempted to contact the Lancair pilot via radio, the two aircraft collided. The flight instructor took control of the Cessna and landed safely on runway 12. The Lancair impacted terrain near a taxiway and was destroyed by fire.
In the Lancair, the pilot and passenger sustained 2 fatal injuries. The student pilot and flight instructor in the Cessna were not injured.
The investigation
Review of airport surveillance video and preliminary ADS-B data confirmed the collision location and altitude. Radio communications recorded at the time showed the student pilot announcing intentions for a stop-and-go landing, followed by the Lancair pilot inquiring about the Cessna's intentions. The Lancair pilot subsequently announced a go-around. The instructor's final radio transmission identified the Lancair by its registration, followed by an audible gasp, before declaring an emergency.
Examination of the accident site showed the Lancair came to rest upright near a drainage culvert and taxiway, with significant fire damage. A debris field measuring 300 feet by 100 feet was identified, containing fragments of the left wing tip, left aileron, aileron trim tab, and outboard wing skin. All major structural components of the Lancair were located within the debris path. The Cessna sustained minor damage to its propeller.