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TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) — A small plane crashed into a Marana neighborhood early Tuesday morning but there were no reported injuries, according to authorities.

It happened just before 8 a.m. in a neighborhood just south of Rillito, which is near Avra Valley Road

The plane hit at least two structures and there was debris found all over the area. The single-seat aircraft ended up wedged between two homes but was removed by 2 p.m. 13 News was there and you can see photos of the removal below.

The Piper Pawnee Brave scraped across the roofs of the two homes before crashing in a nearby backyard.

An FAA inspector said the plane was crop dusting before the accident. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Residents told 13 News they saw the plane flying low in the area before the crash, but that is not surprising since it is a crop duster and the Marana area has plenty of farms.

I received this video from someone who lives in the Marana neighborhood. It’s just before this morning’s crash took place. We’re working to find out exactly what happened, but thankfully no injuries were reported. pic.twitter.com/NTSMyObGtN

— Mary Coleman (@Mary_reports) October 8, 2024

The Walters family said their four daughters were playing in the backyard and came inside for breakfast before they heard the crash.

“It was pretty loud and we heard something go across our roof to the front and so I looked out and saw this, and then I was trying to see if the guy was OK,” said Jennifer Walters. “We went ahead and I called 911, so, not how we thought our Tuesday morning was going to go but at least the kids are OK, everybody seems like, it sounded like everybody was OK.”

“We went to eat breakfast and there was a big crash and then it was over there,” said 10 year-old Natalee Walters.

She was playing in the backyard with her three younger sisters moments before it happened.

“I didn’t say anything about it because I didn’t want to freak my sisters out,” she said about the moments after the crash.

According to the tail number, the plane is registered to a company in Marana. 13 News visited and called the business, but no one answered the door and the phone number connected to the business does not work.

The NTSB has taken over the investigation and it could take one to two years before the final report is issued.

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Copyright 2024 13 News. All rights reserved.

Tucson, AZ (October 7, 2024) – A serious accident occurred at the intersection of Campbell Avenue and Camino Miraval, south of Skyline, resulting in injuries. Reports indicate that the incident involved a head-on collision, prompting emergency services to respond promptly to the scene.

The crash led to the closure of Campbell Avenue in both directions, causing significant traffic disruptions as first responders worked to assist those involved and clear the area. Details regarding the number of vehicles involved and the extent of injuries remain limited at this time, but initial reports suggest that multiple individuals may have sustained injuries.

Emergency responders from Tucson Fire and Rescue arrived on the scene to provide medical assistance and transport any injured parties to local hospitals for further evaluation and treatment. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is ongoing.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident, and we hope for a swift recovery for those injured.

Head-On Collisions in Arizona

Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of traffic accidents, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. In Arizona, these types of accidents can occur for various reasons, including distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving.

In 2023, Arizona reported thousands of traffic accidents, with a significant percentage involving head-on collisions. The consequences of such accidents can be devastating, not only for the individuals directly involved but also for their families and the community at large. Victims may face extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and emotional trauma as they navigate their recovery.

It is crucial for individuals involved in head-on collisions to understand their rights and the importance of seeking legal assistance. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide valuable guidance, helping victims secure the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a head-on collision, it is essential to consult with a knowledgeable attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of your situation.

Local Accident Reports is your trusted resource for post-accident support. We’ve compiled essential information and resources for accident victims like you. Our comprehensive database provides key details and support options for those affected by accidents. We’re here to support your recovery process with valuable resources and information. Contact us today to learn how we can assist in your recovery journey.

A Tucson woman was found deceased early Monday morning following a house fire reported at the Pinetop Country Club in Navajo County.

Credit: NAVAJO COUNTY SHERIFF

NAVAJO COUNTY, Ariz. — A Tucson woman was found deceased Monday morning following a house fire reported at the Pinetop Country Club.

The Navajo County Sheriff's Office said a 911 call was received at about 1 a.m. for reports of a structure fire on Blacksmith Trail. The dispatch center was advised that one of the home's occupants was unable to get out.

By the time first responders arrived on scene, the home was fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire before it could spread.

NCSO said 79-year-old Linda Mason was found deceased inside the home. An 86-year-old man was treated for smoke inhalation and was later released.

The situation remains under investigation.

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How much can Arizona’s state universities charge students?

There is a limit — but only on paper.

The Arizona Constitution requires that instruction in the university system be “as nearly free as possible.’’

In 2003, John Kromko, then a Democratic state representative from Tucson and a student at the University of Arizona, cited that clause after the Arizona Board of Regents hiked tuition by a whopping 39.1%. He sued along with another student, charging the board had run afoul of the constitutional mandate.

The justices of the Arizona Supreme Court, however, were not about to step in. Andrew Hurwitz, then a member of the court, said he and his colleagues were in no position to decide that question.

“At best, we would be substituting our subjective judgment of what is reasonable under all circumstances for that of the Board (of Regents) and the Legislature, the very branches of government to which our constitution entrusts this decision,’’ he wrote.

But depending on the Legislature to set limits could prove fruitless. In fact, it was the failure of the Legislature to increase state funding for the universities for the 2003-04 school year that resulted in the regents deciding they needed to impose the 39.1% tuition hike, a figure that translated to about $1,000 more for in-state residents.

Lawmakers have repeatedly refused to either cap tuition themselves — something they last did in 1926 — or force the regents to guarantee incoming students that their costs won’t go up beyond a certain level over four years. The universities themselves, however, have instituted similar programs on their own.

The bottom line, said Hurwitz in 2003, is that the meaning of “as nearly free as possible’’ is a “non-justiciable political question.’’ That’s because tuition is based on the budget adopted by the Board of Regents “after making a series of policy decisions about the quality of the state universities and the level of instruction to be offered.’’

Once those decisions are made — and once the Legislature decides how much of the cost it will fund — that leaves most of the rest of the price tag to be borne by tuition.

“The cost of tuition could, of course, be reduced if the board and the Legislature made different policy decisions,’’ Hurwitz wrote, such as reducing faculty salaries, increasing class sizes or cutting building maintenance.

Kromko wasn’t the only one to make a run at using the Arizona Constitution to challenge tuition hikes. So did Mark Brnovich when he was Arizona attorney general.

But in a unanimous 2019 decision, the justices did not address the assertion by Brnovich that the sharp tuition increases of the past decade violated the constitutional provision. Nor did they address the attorney general’s argument that the Board of Regents relied on extraneous and illegal outside factors, such as what state-run universities elsewhere were charging, to determine how much students here should pay.

Justice Clint Bolick, writing for the court, said all that is legally irrelevant as Brnovich had no legal right to bring the lawsuit in the first place.

He pointed out that state law allows the attorney general to bring legal actions only when specifically authorized by statute or with permission of the governor.

In this case, Bolick said, there was no legislative authority. And then-Gov. Doug Ducey, who was openly hostile to the legal challenge, never authorized it.

Howard Fischer is a veteran journalist who has been reporting since 1970 and covering state politics and the Legislature since 1982. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, and Threads at @azcapmedia or email azcapmedia@gmail.com.

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Today, six area credit unions and the GoWest Foundation announced a new way to make the dream of homeownership a reality for first-time homebuyers in Tucson. The newly launched Tucson Welcome Home program offers zero down payment assistance and supports individuals and families looking to transition from renting to owning their own homes. Loan applications open Oct. 15.

According to the National Association of Realtors, first-time homebuyers accounted for 32% of all buyers in 2023, up from 26% in 2022. In this innovative, collaborative effort by Tucson-area credit unions, the $0 down payment program reflects a dedication to addressing the housing crisis by creating homeownership opportunities, particularly for those who may struggle to save for a down payment.

“Home ownership brings not only financial and practical stability, but it’s a sense of belonging, success and opportunity,” said GoWest Foundation Executive Director Sharee Adkins. “We are excited for potential first-time homebuyers in the Tucson area, and proud to support this incredibly important program. As housing access and affordability continue to own headlines, these credit unions are doubling down on their commitment to their local community and this program will make a real difference.”

The program will allow each credit union to participate in a slightly different way. Three credit unions — Pima Federal Credit Union, Tucson Federal Credit Union, and Vantage West Credit Union — will provide mortgage loans. Meanwhile, three additional credit unions — Hughes Federal Credit Union, Pyramid Federal Credit Union and Tucson Old Pueblo Federal Credit Union — will provide referrals and focus on promoting this worthwhile cause to the public.

“Buying a home is a dream for many and a key factor in building wealth and stability for families, but the financial challenges can be overwhelming,” said Sandra Sagehorn-Elliott, President and CEO of Vantage West Credit Union. “The program aims to help first-time homebuyers by covering the down payment, enabling them to concentrate on other expenses related to home buying.”

As not-for-profit financial cooperatives, these originating and participating local-area credit unions are committed to serving Pima County by offering affordable and accessible financial solutions. Tucson Welcome Home reflects their dedication to serving their community, and through expanded guidelines, the program will allow participants to achieve homeownership as long as their income and debt-to-income ratio meet specific criteria.

In addition to financial assistance, the credit unions will offer educational workshops and resources to help buyers understand the responsibilities of home ownership, budgeting, and maintaining a healthy financial profile.

Interested individuals can learn more about Tucson Welcome Home and how to apply by visiting the GoWest Foundation page or contacting one of the participating credit unions.

About the participating Credit unions:

This program is made possible in part through a grant from the GoWest Foundation.