MARCH 2025 AVIATION ACCIDENT & INCIDENT SUMMARY
By Jim Timm
The following are the reports of aviation accidents, and incidents that have occurred in Arizona from mid February thru mid March. We hope to use the following detailed accident/incident 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 similar occurrences.
The Accident/Incident report is a bit shorter than last time, and the number of FAA reported incidents comprises about half of the report. You may note that there are a couple of incidents reported that were late in getting into the FAA after they had started their report. Even with these two tardy incidents included, this report is still relatively short.
In continuing with the expanded scope of the report, we’re using information from the Aviation Safety Network (ASN), FAA, NTSB, and APA Members. This more inclusive information source should 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: February 9, 2025
The Accident/Incident report is a bit shorter than last time, and the number of FAA reported incidents comprises about half of the report. You may note that there are a couple of incidents reported that were late in getting into the FAA after they had started their report. Even with these two tardy incidents included, this report is still relatively short.
In continuing with the expanded scope of the report, we’re using information from the Aviation Safety Network (ASN), FAA, NTSB, and APA Members. This more inclusive information source should 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: February 9, 2025
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Glendale (GEU)
Type: Mooney M-20F
Injuries: 2 Uninjured Private Pilot
LANDING GEAR COLLAPSE
The left main gear collapsed as the airplane was taxing out for takeoff. The damage was minor.
LANDING GEAR COLLAPSE
The left main gear collapsed as the airplane was taxing out for takeoff. The damage was minor.
Date: February 13, 2025
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Marana (AVQ)
Type: Cirrus SR20
Injuries: 2 Uninjured Comm/CFI Pilot
FLIGHT CONTROL DISCONNECTED
While in the pattern at Marana the left hand control became disconnected from the ailerons. The control on the right side remained connected, and the aircraft was able to return to Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ) without further incident.
Date: February 14, 2025
FLIGHT CONTROL DISCONNECTED
While in the pattern at Marana the left hand control became disconnected from the ailerons. The control on the right side remained connected, and the aircraft was able to return to Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ) without further incident.
Date: February 14, 2025
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Tucson Ryan Field (RYN)
Location: Tucson Ryan Field (RYN)
Type: Bakeng Duce (Experimental)
Injuries: 1 Uninjured
Comm/CFI Pilot
ENGINE FAILURE
The aircraft departed, and immediately declared an emergency because of an engine failure. He landed on a taxiway without further incident.
Date: February 16, 2025 Source: FAA Incident Location: Eloy (E60) Type: Sky Diver
Injuries: 1 Fatality
Pilot Certification Not Required
PARACHUTE FAILURE
The sky diver exited the airplane, and his parachute failed to open. There was no damage to the airplane.
February 20, 2025
Comm/CFI Pilot
ENGINE FAILURE
The aircraft departed, and immediately declared an emergency because of an engine failure. He landed on a taxiway without further incident.
Date: February 16, 2025 Source: FAA Incident Location: Eloy (E60) Type: Sky Diver
Injuries: 1 Fatality
Pilot Certification Not Required
PARACHUTE FAILURE
The sky diver exited the airplane, and his parachute failed to open. There was no damage to the airplane.
February 20, 2025
Source: ASN, NTSB
Location: Cottonwood (P52)
Location: Cottonwood (P52)
Type: Cessna 172S Skyhawk
Injuries: 2 Uninjured
Pilot Certification Unknown
AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT
The aircraft departed Prescott and was reported to have been involved in an accident at Cottonwood, and the damage was reported to be substantial. No accident details were available.
Date: February 25, 2025
Pilot Certification Unknown
AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT
The aircraft departed Prescott and was reported to have been involved in an accident at Cottonwood, and the damage was reported to be substantial. No accident details were available.
Date: February 25, 2025
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Gila Bend
Type: Cessna 172
Injuries: 1 Uninjured Private Pilot
LOSS OF CONTROL LANDING
The pilot reported blowing out a tire on landing, and ran off the runway. There was no reported damage to the airplane or airport property.
Date: February 27, 2025
Injuries: 1 Uninjured Private Pilot
LOSS OF CONTROL LANDING
The pilot reported blowing out a tire on landing, and ran off the runway. There was no reported damage to the airplane or airport property.
Date: February 27, 2025
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
Location: Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
Type: Cessna 170
Injuries:1 Uninjured ATP/CFI Pilot
TAXIED OFF PAVED SURFACE
The pilot landed and taxied off the paved surface , and into the mud. There was no damage to the aircraft or airport property.
Date: March 1, 2025 Source: FAA Incident
Location: Tucson International Airport (TUS)
Injuries:1 Uninjured ATP/CFI Pilot
TAXIED OFF PAVED SURFACE
The pilot landed and taxied off the paved surface , and into the mud. There was no damage to the aircraft or airport property.
Date: March 1, 2025 Source: FAA Incident
Location: Tucson International Airport (TUS)
Type: Mooney M-20J
Injuries: 1 Uninjured Private Pilot
LOSS OF CONTROL LANDING
Upon landing the airplane went off the runway, and into the dirt, possibly due to a flat tire. There was no damage to the aircraft or airport property.
Date: March 19, 2025
Injuries: 1 Uninjured Private Pilot
LOSS OF CONTROL LANDING
Upon landing the airplane went off the runway, and into the dirt, possibly due to a flat tire. There was no damage to the aircraft or airport property.
Date: March 19, 2025
Source: ASN
Location: Near Winslow
Location: Near Winslow
Type: Piper PA-28-180
Injuries: 1 Uninjured
Pilot Certification Unknown
INFLIGHT POWER LOSS
The airplane departed Flagstaff, and near Winslow the Piper experienced a loss of engine power, and a subsequent forced landing to open field terrain. The airplane sustained unknown damage, but post- incident photos show the engine, and windshield covered with oil.
FEBRUARY - MARCH PILOT DEVIATIONS
Jim Timm
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 February 14, 2025 thru March 13, 2025 there were twenty-one pilot deviations reported by the FAA SDL FSDO. These deviations were committed by pilots with certificates ranging from Private Pilot thru ATP/CFI Pilot. There were nine out of state Pilots that committed these deviations, and one foreign pilot. Of the twenty-one deviations reported, there were only two Brashers issued for IFR flights.
Note: A controller will 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.
The number of deviations was down slightly from last month, and weren’t as serious as past years because there was a need to issue only two Brashers, and these were for IFR deviations. Obviously pilots still don’t get the message to be more careful in their flying. Perhaps some of these deviations could be attributed to the “snow birds” that have returned because of the rather large number of out of state airplanes that were involved in some of the deviations. Many of these pilots may not be accustomed to flying in some of the complex/crowded airspace that we contend with in Arizona.
I would certainly like to think that the information that we have presented has been valuable to a majority of the pilots out there, and has made them safer pilots.
Moving on, 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. Pilots must 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 fly with care and forethought, don’t be part of the problem.
In summary, the general aviation deviations this reporting period are:
In summary, the general aviation deviations this reporting period are:
6 IFR Deviations 2 Brashers
2 Class Bravo Airspace Deviations No Brashers
2 Class Delta Airspace Deviations No Brashers
6 Runway Incursions No Brashers
3 ATC Instructions No Brashers
2 Surface Incidents`` No Brashers
The details of the deviations this month are as follows:
IFR DEVIATIONS (6)
2/27
2 Class Bravo Airspace Deviations No Brashers
2 Class Delta Airspace Deviations No Brashers
6 Runway Incursions No Brashers
3 ATC Instructions No Brashers
2 Surface Incidents`` No Brashers
The details of the deviations this month are as follows:
IFR DEVIATIONS (6)
2/27
Standard Instrument Departure Deviation (SID)
Private Pilot
Out Of Iowa
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
Out Of Iowa
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The deviation was reported by the Phoenix TRACON when the Piaggio Avanti didn’t fly the SACAT 3 SID as published.
3/1
3/1
SID Deviation
Unknown Pilot Certification Out Of North Dakota Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The deviation was reported by the Phoenix TRACON when the Citation didn’t fly the SACAT 3 SID as published.
Unknown Pilot Certification Out Of North Dakota Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The deviation was reported by the Phoenix TRACON when the Citation didn’t fly the SACAT 3 SID as published.
3/1
SID Deviation
Unknown Pilot Certification
Unknown Pilot Certification
Out Of New Mexico
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The pilot deviation was reported by the Phoenix TRACON when the Bonanza Didn’t fly the DVT 3 out of Phoenix Deer Valley (DVT) as published.
3/3
Altitude Deviation Comm/CFI Pilot
Albuquerque Center (ZAB)
The Cessna 172 was level at 7,000ft, and radar data for the aircraft showed they went from 7,000ft to 6,700ft and then back to 7,000ft. Shortly after they had descended to 6,500ft, they advised the Albuquerque controller they were doing a quick descent to 6,500ft to avoid icing. The controller stated they are on an IFR clearance so maintain 6,000ft and advise if you need any assistance. They were issued a Brasher.
3/5
SID Deviation
Commercial Pilot
Out Of Missouri
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The pilot deviation was reported by the Phoenix TRACON when the Socata TBM didn’t fly the DVT3 Departure out of Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT) as published.
3/9
FAA Part 135 Flight Plan Deviation
Unknown Pilot Certification
Springerville Airport (JTC)
The pilot deviation was reported by Albuquerque Center when the fire fighting jet aircraft failed to cancel their IFR Flight Plan resulting in an Alert Notice being issued. A Brasher notice was issued.
CLASS BRAVO AIRSPACE DEVIATIONS (2)
2/22
Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Having Authorization
Private Pilot
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The pilot deviation was reported by the Phoenix Tracon when the Cherokee entered the Phoenix Class Bravo airspace without first obtaining authorization.
2/22
Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Having Authorization
Private Pilot
Out Of Indiana
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
Out Of Indiana
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The pilot deviation was reported by the Phoenix Tracon when the Cessna entered the Phoenix Class Bravo airspace without first obtaining authorization.
CLASS DELTA AIRSPACE DEVIATIONS (2)
2/26
Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Commercial Pilot
Out Of Montana
Prescott Airport (PRC)
Prescott Airport (PRC)
The deviation was reported by Prescott when the Light Sport Savanna entered the Prescott Class Delta Airspace without first establishing radio communications.
3/8
Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Commercial Pilot Out Of California
Phoenix Deer Valley (DVT)
Commercial Pilot Out Of California
Phoenix Deer Valley (DVT)
The pilot deviation was reported by Deer Valley when the Piper Lance entered the Deer Valley Class Delta Airspace without first establishing two-way radio communications.
RUNWAY INCURSIONS (6)
RUNWAY INCURSIONS (6)
2/7 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Unknown Pilot Certification
Out Of Mexico
Tucson International Airport (TUS)
Out Of Mexico
Tucson International Airport (TUS)
The pilot deviation was reported by Tucson International when the Cessna touched down on the runway without ATC authorization.
2/7
Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Commercial/CFI Pilot
Glendale Airport (GEU)
Glendale Airport (GEU)
The pilot deviation was reported by Glendale ATC when the Pipistrel taxied onto the runway without ATC authorization.
2/12 Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Comm/CFI Pilot
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The pilot deviation was reported by the Gateway ATC when the Cherokee crossed the hold short line of the runway without ATC authorization.
2/21
Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Comm/CFI Pilot
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The pilot deviation was reported by the Gateway ATC when the Cessna entered the runway without ATC authorization.
2/24
Entering A Runway Without Authorization
ATP/CFI Pilot
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The pilot deviation was reported by the Gateway ATC when the Marchetti Jet entered the runway without ATC authorization.
3/2
Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Private Pilot
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
Private Pilot
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The pilot deviation was reported by the Gateway ATC when the Cessna entered the runway without ATC authorization.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW ATC INSTRUCTIONS (3)
FAILURE TO FOLLOW ATC INSTRUCTIONS (3)
2/7
Not Complying With ATC Instructions
ATP/CFI Pilot
Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
The pilot deviation was reported when the Lancair was instructed to fly straight out, but turned on course without ATC authorization.
2/22
Not Complying With ATC Instructions
Commercial Pilot
Phoenix Deer Valley (DVT)
Commercial Pilot
Phoenix Deer Valley (DVT)
The pilot deviation was reported by DVT when the Cessna didn’t follow ATC instructions to join the final.
3/5
Not Complying With ATC Instructions Private Pilot
Out Of California
Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
Out Of California
Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
The pilot deviation was reported by FFZ when the Beech King Air overshot the extended runway centerline during his turn inbound, and conflicted with a Cessna on final on an adjacent runway.
SURFACE INCIDENT DEVIATIONS (2)
2/10
Taxiing On A Taxiway Without Authorization
Comm/CFI Pilot
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The pilot deviation was reported by IWA when the Cherokee entered a closed portion of the taxiway without ATC authorization.
3/5
Taxiing On A Taxiway Without Authorization
Private Pilot
Out of Idaho
Tucson International (TUS)
Out of Idaho
Tucson International (TUS)
The Pilot deviation was reported by TUS when the Cessna taxied onto a taxiway without ATC authorization.
NEAR MIDAIR COLLISIONS (NMAC’s)
NEAR MIDAIR COLLISIONS (NMAC’s)
We had two Near Mid Air Collision incidents reported during the period from February 14, 2025 thru March 13, 2025.
DATE: February 16, 2025
DATE: February 16, 2025
LOCATION: Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
A NMAC was reported when a Pilatus was on a final for RWY 4R at FFZ, and a Cessna was on base to land on the parallel RWY 4L, but flew thru the final to 4L, and came within .11 mi, and 100 ft vertical of the Pilatus.
DATE: February 24, 2025
LOCATION: Chandler Airport (CHD)
A Cessna 172 reported a Drone off their right side as they turned base for RWY 22R at CHD. No evasive maneuvers were required and the closest proximity was estimated to be 15 feet.
