By Jim Timm
We hope to use the following detailed accident information to develop safety programs, briefings, and posters/flyers that would help pilots learn from the mistakes being made by others, and be able to take the necessary action to prevent them from having a similar occurrence.
The Accident/Incident report has increased in number this time, and there were fourteen accidents/incidents reported, and unfortunately we had two fatalities reported late in the period.
In continuing with the expanded scope of this report, we’re using information from the Aviation Safety Network (ASN), NTSB, FAA and APA Members. Hopefully the information from these sources will suit our purpose of trying to get an idea of what is happening out there so we can help make flying safer.
In the mean time, here are the results from the above sources.
Date: March 19, 2026
Source: FAA
Location: Winslow Airport (IWN)
Type: Gazelle SA341G Helicopter
Injuries: 2 Uninjured
Commercial/CFI Pilot
POWER LOSS
After takeoff the helicopter was unable to generate lift, and crashed back down resulting in substantial
damage to the helicopter.
Date: March 20, 2026
Source: ASN
Location: Near Young
Type: Zlin Savage Cub
Injuries: 1 uninjured
Private Pilot
OFF AIRPORT CRASH LANDING
The airplane departed from Mesa, Falcon Field, and was going to Show Low Airport but crashed under unknown circumstances in a field resulting in substantial damage.
Date: March 21, 2026
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Eloy Airport (E60)
Type: DHC-6-200 Twin Otter
Injuries: 1 Fatal
No Pilot Information
PARACHUTE FAILURE
During a routine skydive operation jumpers exited the aircraft without incident, but a filming skydiver experienced parachute issues, and impacted the ground. There was no aircraft involvement or damage.
Date: March 21, 2026
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
Type: A-75N Stearman
Injuries: 1 Uninjured
ATP Pilot
LOSS OF CONTROL
While landing the Stearman was ground looped, and was substantially damaged, but was able to taxi to parking.
Date: March 27, 2026
Source: ASN, FAA
Location: Sedona Airport (SEZ)
Type: Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II
Injuries: 2 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
LANDING GEAR COLLAPSE
The Cessna had departed Los Alamos Airport, and sustained substantial damage when it suffered a landing gear collapse after locking the right main brakes and blowing the tire upon landing, and then veered off the runway at Sedona, and into a ditch.
Date: March 29, 2026
Source: ASN, FAA Incident
Location: Glendale Airport (GEU)
Type: Mooney M20E
Injuries: 1 Uninjured
Private Pilot
GEAR UP LANDING
The airplane departed from the Litchfield Park Airport and landed gear up on the runway at Glendale Airport resulting in a propeller strike.
Date: April 5, 2026
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Prescott Airport (PRC)
Type: Cessna 172
Injuries: 2 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
LOSS OF CONTROL LANDING
While landing the aircraft went off the runway, and crossed the parallel taxiway. There was no damage to the airport property.
Date: April 7, 2026
Source: ASN
Location: Bullhead City, Sun Valley Airport (A20)
Type: Cessna R172E Skyhawk
Injuries: 2 Minor Injuries
No Pilot Information
LOSS OF CONTROL LANDING
The Cessna Skyhawk sustained substantial damage when it veered off the runway, and into a garage at Sun Valley Airport (A20).
Date: April 8, 2026
Source: ASN, FAA
Location: Near Cave Creek
Type: Cessna 150G
Injuries: 2 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
LOSS OF CONTROL
While engaged in a private flight, the Cessna crashed when it had an engine failure, and ended up inverted on the ground in a remote area near Cave Creek.
Date: April 8, 2026
Source: ASN, FAA
Location: Marana Regional Airport (AVQ)
Type: Piper PA 32R301T Saratoga II
Injuries: 2 Fatal
No Pilot Information
LOSS OF CONTROL LANDING
After refueling, the Piper Saratoga departed Springerville Airport, and when it arrived at Marana Regional Airport it was destroyed when it overran runway 3, crashed, and burst into flames.
Date: April 12, 2026
Source: ASN, FAA, NTSB
Location: In Phoenix
Type: Republic RC-3 SeaBee
Injuries: 3 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
FORCED LANDING
The Seabee had just departed from the Hangar Haciendas Airport in Phoenix, and experienced an engine failure, and made an emergency gear up landing on busy 7th Street in Phoenix, and hit a fire hydrant. Only the airplane sustained significant damage.
Date: April 14, 2026
Source: ASN
Location: Page Municipal Airport
Type: De Havilland DCH-6 Twin Otter 300
Injuries: 17 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
LOSS OF CONTROL LANDING
The Twin Otter was returning after performing a sightseeing flight at the Grand Canyon, and while landing at Page Municipal Airport it veered off the runway, and scrapped a wingtip. The aircraft received minor damage.
Date: April 15, 2026
Source: ASN
Location: Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
Type: Unidentified Airplane
Injuries: 2 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
LOSS OF CONTROL LANDING
An unidentified airplane experienced a runway excursion. There was no damage to airport property, and none reported for the airplane.
Date: April 18, 2026
Source: ASN
Location: Near Goodyear
Type: Bell 404 Helicopter
Injuries: 4 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
ROTOR CHIP INDICATION
The helicopter reported a tail rotor chip indicator light and landed 8 miles west of the airport.Date:
Source: ASN, Media
Location: In Mesa
Type: Piper PA 28-180 Cherokee C
Injuries: 2 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
FORCED LANDING
An engine power issue forced a small plane to make an emergency landing on main street in Mesa. There was no damage or injuries involved.
Date: April 25, 2026
Source: ASN
Location: Prescott Airport (PRC)
Type: Cessna 172S
Injuries: 2 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
LOSS OF CONTROL TAXIING
The Cessna was performing a touch and go on runway 21L when it turned too tight, and struck a taxiway light.
MARCH - APRIL
PILOT DEVIATIONS
Jim Timm
These pilot deviations need to be examined to determine if a common thread exists that we should address to help reduce the number of deviations that continue to occur, and thus enhance aviation safety.
In the reporting period from March 15 thru April 9 there were seven deviations reported by the FAA SDL FSDO. These deviations were committed by pilots with certificates ranging from Private Pilot thru Commercial/CFI, and there were four out of state pilots of the seven deviations reported, and therewasn’t, a Brasher issued.
Note: These pilot deviations were resolved during a discussion between the controller, and the pilot at the time of the occurrence. However, a controller may issue a Brasher notification to a pilot when further FAA action will be taken, and the controller is thus giving the airman the opportunity to make note of the occurrence, collect information, and their thoughts for their future interaction with FAA Flight Standards.
I think more of the pilots have gotten the message to be more careful in their flying. Perhaps some of these deviations could be attributed to out of state pilots that may not be accustomed to flying in some of the complex/crowded airspace that we have in Arizona.
I would certainly like to think that the information presented has been valuable to all pilots out there, and will make them safer pilots.
Pilots must listen carefully to ATC instructions and comply with them, and if they can’t comply, tell ATC why they can’t. Also, when flying in controlled airspace, pilots should never do something on their own, but always talk to ATC before they do anything that may differ from the instructions given. Pilotsmust always be aware of what type of airspace they are flying in, or may be about to enter, and know what may be expected of them. Always observe the airport, and runway markings, and signs and obey them. Fly with care and forethought, and don’t be part of the problem.
In summary, the general aviation deviations this reporting period are:
3 Phoenix Class Bravo Airspace Deviations No Brashers
4 ATC Instructions No Brashers
The details of the deviations this month are as follows.
PHOENIX CLASS BRAVO AIRSPACE DEVIATIONS (3)
March 16
Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Having Authorization
No Pilot Information
Phoenix Sky Harbor Tower (PHX)
The aircraft entered the Phoenix Class Bravo Airspace without first contacting ATC, and obtaining a clearance, and establishing two-way radio ommunication.
March 22
Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Having Authorization
Private Pilot
Out Of California
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The aircraft departed from Scottsdale VFR, and requested flight following. They were given a transponder code but never entered it into the transponder. They climbed to 4,800 feet, and entered the Phoenix Class Bravo Airspace without a clearance.
March 27
Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Having Authorization
Private Pilot
Phoenix Sky Harbor Tower (PHX)
The aircraft was identified through their ADS-B, and had entered the PHX Class Bravo Airspace without first establishing communication, and without an authorization.
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL INSTRUCTION DEVIATIONS (4)
March 19
Failure To Follow ATC Instructions
Commercial/CFI Pilot
Out Of South Dakota
Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
The pilot was expected to turn on final and remain on a final for the assigned runway, however the pilot elected to leave the final and make 360 turn that crossed a parallel runway final.
March 21
Failure To Follow ATC Instructions
Private Pilot
Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
The pilot was instructed to follow the traffic downwind, and ahead, but instead turned on a base, and didn’t follow the traffic ahead.
March 23
Failure To Follow ATC Instructions
Private Pilot
Out Of Kansas
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The aircraft did not fly the DVT3 departure as published, but the pilot turned right instead of left.
March 26
Failure To Follow ATC Instructions
Commercial Pilot
Out Of Texas
Scottsdale Municipal Airport (SDL)
The aircraft departed Scottsdale, and checked in on the RWY heading. The controller confirmed they were assigned the Scottsdale Departure Procedure and they said they were. They were then issued a 300° heading. Then the aircraft turned to a 260° track, and had to be reissued the 300° heading.
