Father-son duo and close family friends killed in fiery plane crash

by · Mail Online

A father-son duo and two close family friends have been identified as the victims who died in a horrific Arizona plane crash.

A total of five local residents died after a Honda HA-420 jet collided with a car after it 'impacted' the fence just outside of Falcon Field Airport in Mesa around 4:40 pm on Tuesday. 

Four of the five - who were all aboard the small aircraft - have been identified as Spencer Lindhal, 43, Rustin Randall, 48, Drew Kimball, 44, and his son Grahm Kimball, 12. 

Another unidentified person who was on the plane was the sole survivor. They are currently being treated for burn injuries at the hospital, according to the Mesa Police Department. 

The driver of the car also died, but their name has not yet been released. 

Father and son, Drew Kimball, 44, and Grahm Kimball, 12, died on Tuesday in a horrific plane crash in Mesa, Arizona
Spencer Lindhal, 43, and Rustin Randall, 48, also lost their lives. A total of five people died, one of them being the unidentified driver of the car 
There were a total of five people aboard the Honda HA-420 jet. Four of them died, while one unidentified passenger survived and suffered burn injuries 

The wife and mother of Drew and Grahm posted a heartfelt tribute to her loved ones on Wednesday with an image of the late father and son smiling next to each other.

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'Our hearts are excruciatingly heavy as we share the passing of Drew and Grahm in a tragic plane accident yesterday.

'We are completely devastated, but find solace in knowing there was a glorious reunion with Braden on the other side. We stand and know, without a doubt, that families are forever,' Tanya Kimball wrote. 

She referred to her and Drew's late son, Braden Kimball, who died by suicide in December 2023. 

'Please pray for the other two families involved, the Lindahl and Randall families,' Tanya added in a post on her Instagram story. 

A candlelight vigil is set to be held for the father and son on Saturday.  

Another family member, Becky Kimball, shared Tanya's post and said: 'My heart is breaking. Literally. Please pray for Tanya, Hallie and Jack.' 

Tanya Kimball with her late husband Drew and son Grahm. The family previously lost their son and brother Braden Kimball, who died of suicide in December 2023 
Nate Porter, a friend of both Rustin and Spencer said the two men 'were like brothers'

HOPE Mental Foundation, a non-profit Drew was involved in, also paid tribute to the father and son on Facebook. 

'We are heartbroken to hear the news of the tragic loss of our friend, Drew, his son Grahm and his friends last night.

'We are grateful to have heard his speech at our gala where 200 guests heard his message about the importance of checking in with our children and loved ones. We will honor his message and legacy at Hope.

'Our prayers are with the Kimball family and all those affected by the tragedy,' the organization added. 

Nate Porter, a friend of both Rustin and Spencer shared a montage video full of images of the two men who he said 'were like brothers'. 

'We lost 2 remarkable men last night. Spencer Lindhal and Rustin Randall. They were like brothers and we raised our families together,' Porter said. 

'I am forever grateful for the time we had together. Please keep their families in your prayers.' 

As of Wednesday morning, Greenfield Road - where the fiery collision took place - remains closed in both directions from McKellips to McDowell Road

A preliminary investigation revealed that the aircraft 'impacted the airport perimeter fence' before skidding into a car 'during an aborted takeoff', the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said. 

Terrifying video and images showed a large plume of smoke coming from the scene as orange flames billowed.

A slew of emergency vehicles were present at the scene as well.

As of Wednesday morning, Greenfield Road - where the fiery collision took place - remains closed in both directions from McKellips to McDowell Road, the Mesa Police Department said on X. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the NTSB are currently investigating the cause of the crash. 

A preliminary report of the incident will be released in 30 days and a final report is expected in one to two years, the NTSB said.