ARIZONA SAFETY ADVISORY GROUP
NOVEMBER 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 October thru mid November. 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 longer than it should be, and the number of reported accidents have slightly increased this time.
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: October 5, 2025
Source: ASN
Location: Gila Bend (E63)
Type: Piper PA-30-160 Twin Commanche
Injuries: 1 Uninjured
No Pilot Info.
Source: ASN
Location: Gila Bend (E63)
Type: Piper PA-30-160 Twin Commanche
Injuries: 1 Uninjured
No Pilot Info.
LANDING INCIDENT
The airplane departed Tucson Ryan Field, and was involved in a landing incident at Gila Bend.
Date: October 10, 2025
Source:ASN, FAA Incident
Location: Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
Type: Cessna 185C
Injuries: 1 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
Source:ASN, FAA Incident
Location: Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
Type: Cessna 185C
Injuries: 1 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
CRASHED ON SHORT FINAL
The airplane crashed on short final due to unknown reasons, and came to rest inverted. The single occupant self-evacuated and declined medical attention. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the tail.
Date: October 13, 2025
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Prescott Airport (PRC)
Type: Cessna 172
Injuries: 1 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Prescott Airport (PRC)
Type: Cessna 172
Injuries: 1 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
LOSS OF CONTROL LANDING
Due to wind the aircraft ran off the runway. There was no damage to the airport or airplane.
Date: October 17, 2025
Source: ASN, FAA
Location: Casa Grande Airport (CGZ)
Type: Flight Design CTSW
Injuries: 1 Minor Injury
No Pilot Information
Source: ASN, FAA
Location: Casa Grande Airport (CGZ)
Type: Flight Design CTSW
Injuries: 1 Minor Injury
No Pilot Information
POWER FAILURE
The aircraft departed Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ), and sustained substantial damage when it flipped over in a forced landing approaching Casa Grande Municipal Airport (CGZ).
Date: October 18, 2025
Source: ASN, FAA, NTSB
Location: Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
Type: Cessna L19
Injuries: 2 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
Source: ASN, FAA, NTSB
Location: Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
Type: Cessna L19
Injuries: 2 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
LOSS OF CONTROL LANDING
During a local flight they reported a “stuck rudder”, and experienced a loss of control when landing. During landing the aircraft ground looped causing substantial damage.
Date: October 19, 2025
Source: ASN, FAA, NTSB
Location: Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
Type: Piper PA 46-350P Malibu
Injuries: 1 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
COLLISION WITH GROUND OBSTRUCTION
After departing Show Low airport the aircraft made a low pass near Pegasus Airport, and struck a power line, and proceeded to Mesa Falcon Field, and safely landed, but the damage was substantial.
Date: October 22, 2025
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Mesa Falcon Field, (FFZ)
Type: Piper PA 28-181
Injuries: 1 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Mesa Falcon Field, (FFZ)
Type: Piper PA 28-181
Injuries: 1 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
LOSS OF CONTROL LANDING
The aircraft exited the runway while landing, and ground looped. No damage to the airport or airplane was reported.
Date: October 26, 2025
Source: Member, FAA Incident
Location: Near Marana
Type: Ultra magic M-160 Balloon
Injuries: 7 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
Source: Member, FAA Incident
Location: Near Marana
Type: Ultra magic M-160 Balloon
Injuries: 7 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
COLLIDED WITH BUILDING
The balloon collided with a building during landing, damaging the basket, but no injuries were incurred.
Date: November 3, 2025
Source: ASN
Location: Near Sedona Airport
Type: Cirrus SR22T
Injuries: 2 Uninjured
No Pilot Information.
Source: ASN
Location: Near Sedona Airport
Type: Cirrus SR22T
Injuries: 2 Uninjured
No Pilot Information.
POWER LOSS
The Cirrus SR22T had departed Chandler Airport, and later when departing Sedona they experienced a loss of engine power, and made a CAPS deployment shortly after takeoff. The airplane came down on the side of Cathedral Rock.
Date: November 9, 2025
Source: FAA
Location: Avra Valley Airport (AVQ)
Type: Cessna 150
Injuries: 1 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
Source: FAA
Location: Avra Valley Airport (AVQ)
Type: Cessna 150
Injuries: 1 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
DEAD BATTERY
In preparing to depart, the engine was started and then died. The aircraft was chocked, and the engine was hand propped. The engine started, and the aircraft moved forward, and struck a fence, causing damage to airport property, and substantial damage to the aircraft.
Date: November 9, 2025
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Chandler Airport (CHD)
Type: Cessna 172
Injuries: 2 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
TAXIWAY EXCURSION
The aircraft was given instructions to taxi to the active runway. When taxing from the ramp to the runway the aircraft inadvertently taxied off the taxiway, and into the dirt. The aircraft was then towed back to the ramp.
Date: November 13, 2025
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Chandler Airport (CHD)
Type: CCX-2000 Cub FX-3
Injuries: 2 Uninjured
Comm/CFI Pilot
LOSS OF CONTROL LANDING
While landing, the aircraft exited the runway, and damaged a runway edge light. The pilot recovered, and taxied to parking without further incident
NEAR MIDAIR COLLISION (NMAC)
There was one Near Mid Air Collision incident reported during the reporting period from October 3 thru November 14.
DATE: October 25, 2025
LOCATION: Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
While the American Airlines Boeing 737-800 was on approach to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, and as they were descending and passing thru 6,700 feet they had a white drone pass under them by about 20 feet. The airliner was able to continue their approach, and safely land. The appropriate agencies were notified of the incident.
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 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 October 3, 2025 thru November 14, 2025 there were nineteen deviations reported by the FAA SDL FSDO. These deviations were committed by pilots with certificates ranging from Student Pilot thru ATP, and there were eight out of state pilots. Of the nineteen deviations reported, there were eight Brashers issued.
Note: Most of 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 wish pilots would get 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. 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 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 IFR Deviations 1 Brasher
2 Class Bravo Airspace Deviations 1 Brasher
8 Class Delta Airspace Deviation 5 Brashers
1 ATC Instructions No Brasher
2 Runway Incursions 1 Brasher
1 Surface Incident No Brasher
1 Wrong Surface Landing No Brasher
1 Vehicle/Pedestrian Deviation
The details of the deviations this month are as follows:
IFR DEVIATION (3)
October 18 IFR Altitude Deviation
Comm/CFI Pilot
Out Of Washington
Albuquerque Center (ZAB)
The Cessna Caravan was assigned a block altitude of FL190-FL220 for maneuvering for survey work. The Caravan descended to FL180 without a clearance. The pilot stated that they needed to be at FL180 for the segment. A BRASHER warning was issued.
October 30 IFR SID Deviation
ATP Pilot
Out of Michigan
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Hawker turned northbound immediately after departure deviating from his departure clearance. This put him into conflict with an aircraft that was being vectored back to PHX with a fuel issue. The Hawker did not fly the ZEPER TWO departure as published.
November 6 IFR SID Deviation
Private Pilot
Out of Texas
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Baron was assigned the MARICOPA 1 SID off of Scottsdale. The pilot didn’t fly the SID as published, and the controller verified that the pilot had terrain in sight, and instructed the pilot to maintain visual separation with the terrain, and expedited his climb. The aircraft was turned northbound once above the MVA, and the TRACON controller verified that the pilot had been issued the MARICOPA 1 SID. The pilot confirmed he had loaded it in his system, but wasn’t sure why it didn’t load.
PHOENIX CLASS BRAVO AIRSPACE DEVIATIONS (2)
October 1
Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Having Authorization
Private Pilot
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
The Cessna while flying from Chandler Airport to Mesa Falcon Field had entered the Phoenix Class B Airspace in the 4,000-9,000 ft. block. They had climbed above 4,000 feet because of having an improper barometric pressure setting in the altimeter.
October 19 Entering Class Bravo Airspace Without First Having Authorization
Private Pilot
Phoenix TRACON (P50)
A Piper entered the Phoenix Class B Airspace from the east at 7,000 feet. A TRACON controller observed the violation, and ADS-B data was utilized to get the tail number and “tag” the aircraft. The controller had to vector an arrival to Sky Harbor away from the Piper, and Mesa Falcon Field ATCT was advised of the Piper and issued a Brasher to the pilot.
CLASS DELTA AIRSPACE DEVIATION (8)
October 4
Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way RadioCommunication
Student Pilot
Chandler Municipal Airport (CHD)
Without first establishing radio communications a Piper entered the Chandler Airport airspace, and entered the down wind leg, and turned base. Multiple attempts on multiple frequencies were made to communicate, and the controller assumed the aircraft was NORDO (without radio), and issued a Light Gun signal to land. The pilot then came on frequency to verify the landing clearance. A Brasher was issued by Ground Control.
October 6
Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Private Pilot
Out Of Utah
Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
A Deer Valley controller observed a Cessna violating the Deer Valley Class D Airspace on the south side, and the aircraft was observed going to Scottsdale. The Deer Valley controller notified Scottsdale ATC, and Scottsdale gave the aircraft a Brasher warning
October 10
Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
ATP/CFI Pilot
Out Of Idaho
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The Citation entered the Gateway Class Delta Airspace from the southeast, and the controller attempted to contact the Citation without success. The aircraft was observed joining the final into Pegasus Airport (5AZ).
October 17 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Comm/CFI Pilot
Out Of Colorado
Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
The Cessna entered, and flew thru the Mesa Falcon Field Class D Airspace without first establishing radio contact, and it appeared it was headed for Chandler Airport. Chandler ATC was asked to issue the Brasher to the pilot.
October 17
Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Comm/CFI Pilot
Out Of Colorado
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
The same Cessna entered, and flew thru the Mesa Gateway Class D Airspace without first establishing radio contact, and it appeared it was headed for Chandler Airport. Chandler ATC was again asked to issue the Brasher to the pilot.
October 31
Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Private Pilot
Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
The helicopter was observed entering the Falcon Field Class Delta Airspace without first establishing two-way radio communications. Several aircraft needed to be turned to avoid the helicopter’s maneuvers.
November 1 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way Radio Communication
Private Pilot
Chandler Airport (CHD)
A Piper was observed entering the Chandler Delta Airspace while it was en route to Falcon Field. The Chandler controller attempted to contact the Piper without success. Falcon Field was contacted, and was told that the aircraft would be making contact with them. Falcon Field issued the Brasher for Chandler.
November 3 Entering Class Delta Airspace Without First Establishing Two-Way RadioCommunication
Commercial Pilot
Out of Alaska
Scottsdale Airport (SDL)
The Saratoga departed Scottsdale and flew directly to Phoenix Deer Valley Airport. The Deer Valley controller attempted to contact the Piper without success. The controller in charge contacted Deer Valley, and advised them to give the aircraft a Brasher.
ATC INSTRUCTIONS (1)
October 8 Failure to Follow ATC Instructions
Unknown Pilot Certification
Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
At Deer Valley a flight of four P51 airplanes were cleared to land on the south runway (RWY 25L). Two of the P51’s turned onto final for RWY 25L. Two of the following P51’s turned onto the same final but then began a right turn, and went into the final for RWY 25R. A school airplane that was in the north pattern and turned onto a right base for RWY 25R. Because of a possible conflict the school airplane was issued a go-around and re-enter the pattern to land on RWY 25R. The two P51’s were instructed to climb to 3,000 feet, and turn southbound. The two P51’s did not follow the instructions, but turned onto final. The controller then sent them around and had them reenter the pattern for a full stop landing.
RUNWAY INCURSIONS (2)
October 2
Entering A Runway Without Authorization
Student Pilot
Chandler Municipal Airport (CHD)
A Piper called that they were ready for take off. The aircraft was instructed to hold short of RWY 4L, and the read back was correct. The pilot of the Piper then taxied onto the runway causing a Piper Cub to be sent around.
October 27
Using A Runway Without Authorization
Commercial/CFI Pilot
Prescott Airport (PRC)
Less than three minutes after a Learjet had departed the runway, the controller instructed the Diamond Light twin was cleared for a low approach because of possible wake turbulence, and the Diamond read back cleared for a low approach. The Diamond then conducted a touch and go to the runway approximately two minutes behind the departing Learjet. The controller issued the Brasher
warning to the Diamond pilot.
SURFACE INCIDENT (1)
October 10
Entering A Taxiway Without Authorization
Student Pilot
Mesa Falcon Field Airport (FFZ)
The solo student pilot entered the taxiway without authorization. The instructor of Piper was on the ramp and contacted Ground Control (GC) asking them to tell the Piper to stop and hold position. Ground Control reached out to the Piper on the taxiway, and instructed them to hold position. The student was supposed to contact the instructor on the ramp before departure.
WRONG SURFACE LANDING (1)
October 23
Landing On The Wrong Surface Without Authorization
Comm/CFI Pilot
Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)The Piper was cleared for a touch and go on the center runway with a good read back. The controller observed the Piper was over the left runway, and issued a go around. The Piper was over the threshold but didn’t land.
VEHICLE/PEDESTRIAN DEVIATION (1)
October 28
A Vehicle/Pedestrian On A Movement Area Without Authorization
Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
The deviation was reported when Air Traffic Control observed two airline personnel enter a taxiway without authorization.
