by Jim Timm
There were four Near Mid Air Collision incidents reported during the period from December 9, 2022 thru January 13, 2023. The details these four occurrences are as follows:
December 7, 2022
A NMAC was reported between an Air Force A10 and a Cessna Citation in the Tucson area. The Citation passed in front of, and below the A10. It was not reported how close the encounter was.
December 14, 2022
In the Phoenix area a military F35 had to take evasive action to avoid another unidentified aircraft.
December 20, 2022
In the Phoenix area, a NMAC was reported between a Piper Seminole and a Cessna 172. The C172 passed closely behind the Seminole and the Cessna 172 pilot reported the NMAC.
January 3, 2023
The Beechcraft Premier 1 Jet departed Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) on the KEENS 2 departure. A Cessna Citation departed PHX on the ZEPER 2 departure immediately after the Beechcraft. When the Beech checked on with the Navajo sector controller they stated that they were on the SID, and then stated that the tower issued them “maintain runway heading and request instructions from departure”. The Navajo sector controller issued the Beechcraft direct IZZO. Since the Beechcraft did not fly the SID as published, this resulted in a loss of standard separation between the two aircraft.