Courtesy Fox 4 News
On Monday, a tragic incident unfolded as Joe Vitosky was piloting a Learjet from Austin, Texas, to Scottsdale, Arizona. Footage from the runway reveals a catastrophic collision between Vitosky’s aircraft and a parked Gulfstream jet. Authorities have confirmed that the Learjet’s landing gear failed, leading to the crash. Vitosky, unfortunately, lost his life, while three other passengers sustained injuries. Additionally, one person aboard the stationary Gulfstream jet was also injured.
Jane Schertzer, Vitosky’s daughter, expressed deep gratitude for her father’s actions during the incident. “If there had been anyone who could have done something in that situation, I wholeheartedly believe it was him. He saved lives,” she said.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with debris still being cleared from the Scottsdale Airport as of Wednesday.
At 78, Vitosky was known for his sharp mind and physical fitness, having passed rigorous medical exams required for flight. “You still have to go through all these physicals,” Schertzer noted. “They won’t let you fly if you can’t pass them. He passed with flying colors.”
Vitosky’s career was a testament to his passion for aviation. A seasoned aviator, he served as a helicopter and fighter jet pilot in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, Vitosky joined American Airlines and later became a dedicated flight instructor for Southwest Airlines. He also flew private charter planes, making aviation not only his profession but his lifelong pursuit.
Dallas was Vitosky’s home for over 25 years, a place where he lived with his wife and maintained strong connections to the North Texas community. Schertzer, who now resides in Mississippi, is working to ensure her father’s legacy is remembered and honored.
As Schertzer continues to make arrangements for her father’s funeral, Vitosky’s body remains part of the ongoing investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).