Vince Neil’s Learjet 35 Crash in Texas
On February 9, 2024, a Learjet 35A registered as N880Z was involved in a fatal accident at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport (KFTW). The aircraft, reportedly linked to Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil, crashed under unclear circumstances. Initial reports suggest the jet may have encountered issues on approach or landing. The FAA and NTSB are investigating.
Neil was not aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash. Further details on possible causes and contributing factors are pending official reports.
Rocker Turns to Reality TV to Get Pilots License
In 2012, Mötley Crüe’s lead vocalist, Vince Neil, pursued his passion for aviation by enrolling in an accelerated pilot training program. This journey was documented in Season 3 of the PBS television series “The Aviators,” which aired that fall. The show chronicled Neil’s experiences, from his initial flights to his final licensing tests. He dedicated significant time to studying flight manuals, even during the band’s European tour, aiming to complete the course in just two weeks.
Following his appearance on “The Aviators,” Neil continued his aviation endeavors and was featured in a new reality TV series titled “Vince Neil Escapes.” Produced by FourPoints Television, the show followed Neil as he worked towards finalizing his pilot’s license and accompanied him on flights across North America and the Caribbean. The series also delved into the challenges he faced with FAA regulations due to his past history with DUIs and car crashes, highlighting his efforts to balance his rock-star lifestyle with the discipline required for aviation.
It’s important to note that while Neil was actively involved in aviation and worked towards obtaining his pilot’s license, there is no public information confirming that he completed the licensing process. Additionally, the Learjet 35A involved in the 2024 Texas accident was reportedly linked to Neil, but he was not aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash.
Learjet 35 Accident History
The Learjet 35 and its variants have been involved in numerous accidents over the years. According to historical aviation safety databases:
• There have been over 100 fatal accidents involving the Learjet 35 since its introduction in the 1970s.
• One of the most notable crashes was the 1999 South Dakota crash that killed professional golfer Payne Stewart.
• The aircraft has a history of controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) and loss of control incidents, often linked to pilot error or weather-related factors.
Ground Collision Accidents
Aircraft ground collisions are rare but have occurred throughout aviation history. Some examples:
• The 1977 Tenerife disaster remains the deadliest accident in aviation history, where two Boeing 747s collided on the runway, killing 583 people.
• The 1990 Wayne County Airport collision involved a Northwest Airlines DC-9 taxiing in fog, striking a Boeing 727, resulting in 8 fatalities.
• In 2023, a Japan Airlines Airbus A350 collided with a De Havilland Dash 8 at Tokyo Haneda Airport, destroying the smaller aircraft and killing five crew members aboard.
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