At least two people have died following a midair collision between two small planes at the Marana Regional Airport in Arizona on Wednesday morning. Authorities reported that the incident occurred around 8:25 a.m. local time involving a Lancair and a Cessna 172, both small fixed-wing aircraft, with two people aboard each plane.

The planes collided during takeoff procedures, impacting "upwind of runway 12", according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The Cessna managed to land without issue, while the Lancair crashed and ignited upon impact near runway 3, resulting in two fatalities among its passengers. The other occupants from the Cessna were reported uninjured.

Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the NTSB are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. The airport is classified as an uncontrolled field, meaning it lacks a functioning air traffic control tower, and pilots are expected to self-report their positions to maintain safe distances.

This incident marks a tragic continuation of recent aviation safety concerns in the U.S., following several other crashes in recent weeks, including the tragic midair collision in Washington, D.C., that resulted in 67 fatalities, and another involving a medical transport jet in Philadelphia, which claimed multiple lives.

Galen Beem, the Marana Regional Airport Superintendent, expressed condolences to those impacted by the crash. The NTSB spokesperson mentioned that investigators were on their way to the crash site to begin their work.

The Marana Regional Airport, located about 15 miles northwest of Tucson, is currently closed as investigations continue into this tragic event.

This ongoing investigation is crucial as authorities look to gather more details on the factors leading to the collision and implement measures to enhance aviation safety.