Fatal Runway Excursion at Arizona Airport Kills Two in Piper Saratoga

MARANA, Ariz. — Two people died April 8 when their Piper PA-32R-301T Saratoga II TC overran the end of Runway 3 at Marana Regional Airport (KAVQ), according to authorities. The aircraft, registration N4190E, crashed at approximately 5:10 p.m. local time and was destroyed by a post-crash fire.

Marana Mayor Jon Post confirmed the victims were Chris and Jackie Sheaf of Tucson. The airport's longer primary runway had been closed for construction since April 6, forcing operations onto the shorter Runway 03/21. Preliminary reports indicate the pilot was conducting an unstabilized approach at approximately 120 knots during a second landing attempt when the aircraft overran the runway threshold.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation with FAA assistance, focusing on the landing sequence, runway excursion and subsequent fire. No preliminary cause has been released. The Marana Police Department reported no other injuries or aircraft were involved in the accident.