Report: Pilot’s Actions During Runway Accident Might Have Saved Vince Neil’s Girlfriend
An accident involving a jet owned by Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil could have been a lot worse, according to the daughter of pilot Joie Vitosky, who lost his life in the incident. And while the vocalist wasn’t on the plane at the time of the crash, among those who could have been more severely injured included his girlfriend Rain Hannah Andreani.
With more information now coming out about the accident, it’s been suggested that the last second decision making by Vitosky may have averted the worst case scenario. According to a press conference held by Scottsdale Airport spokesperson Kelli Kuester, one of the jet’s two sets of landing gear failed as the plane came down for a landing. That malfunction caused the jet to skid on the runway and veer over to another jet that was “parked on private property” adjacent to the runway.
As a result of that crash, the only person to lose their life in the accident was Vitosky. An unnamed co-pilot suffered minor injuries, while TMZ reports that Andreani broke five ribs in the crash and her unnamed friend also suffered minor injuries. Oh and the dogs on the plane made it out alive.
Speaking with Arizona Republic, Vitosky’s daughter Jana Schertzer told reporters that she absolutely believes the injuries weren’t as dire because of her father’s expertise in the cockpit.
“I honestly, wholeheartedly believe that the reason those other passengers are alive — it’s because of how he handled it.”
At the time of his death, Vitosky had been flying for roughly 60 years, having served as a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot before becoming a private jet pilot. Schertzer said her father was in good health despite being 78 years old.
“Like, nothing wrong. His vision was perfect — better than 20/20 vision.
“Instead of, you know, retiring and doing nothing, he did it literally until the day he died.”
If it’s the case that Vitosky managed to avert disaster in the final moments of his life, the dude needs to be commended for his actions. It should go without saying that it takes a brave person to put yourself in danger to save others. Vitosky is survived by three children and two grandchildren.
