NTSB releases preliminary report on fatal midair near Las Vegas

Four people were killed when a Cessna 172N and Piper PA–46 Malibu collided and crashed while maneuvering to land at North Las Vegas Airport.

According to the report, the Malibu, with two pilots aboard, was cleared to land on Runway 30L and acknowledged the instructions on three separate occasions during communications with the tower. The pilot and student on board the Cessna 172 were also in communication with the tower at the time of the accident. They were cleared for a short approach to Runway 30R, which they acknowledged. The airplanes collided approximately 0.25 nautical miles from the approach end of Runway 30R.

The NTSB report includes a timeline of radio transmissions as well as a detailed damage report of each aircraft. The NTSB will release its final report once it completes its investigation.

The AOPA Air Safety Institute’s Early Analysis: Midair Collision at North Las Vegas, provides a preliminary assessment of the accident. It addresses notable portions of the tragic flights and highlights areas the NTSB will likely investigate to determine a probable cause.