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Lead pilot apologizes after stunt ended in Eloy crash

The pilot in charge of a failed stunt attempt has apologized after one of the planes involved crashed in Eloy.

The Red Bull-sponsored plane-swap stunt was unsuccessful after one of the pilotless planes crashed over Eloy, sparking an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration. Since the crash, lead pilot Luke Aikins has apologized for going through with the stunt after disregarding an FAA denial issued just two days before. 

In an Instagram post, Aikins says that he regrets not telling his team about the denial. While Aikins managed to land his plane safely, the other pilot was forced to parachute to the ground when his plane spun out of control.

Nick Sanchez is a senior producer for KJZZ's The Show. He joined the station as an intern during the spring of 2022, where he developed a passion for audio storytelling in the Valley.