by Jim Timm
The following are the reports of aviation accidents and incidents that occurred in Arizona from mid-June through July. 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 similar occurrences.
In this reporting period aviation safety was not too bad because the number of accidents were down and most importantly, no one lost their life.
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 suits our purpose of trying to get an idea of what is happening out there so we can help make flying safer.
In the meantime, here are the results from the above sources.
Date: June 16, 2023
Source: ASN, FAA
Location: Mesa (FFZ)
Type: Piper PA28-181
Injuries: 1 Uninjured
PROP STRIKE
After the Piper landed, and it came to a full stop, the pilot reported a prop strike, and a flat tire on the nose gear. The aircraft required a tow to exit the runway. A later inspection disclosed the damage was substantial.
Date: June 17, 2023
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Phoenix Deer Valley (DVT)
Type: Petenpol Aircamper (Experimental)
Injuries: 1 Uninjured
TAXIWAY EXCURSION
While they were conducting a high-speed taxi on runway 7R at Deer Valley, the aircraft veered off the runway into the infield. The aircraft then taxied back to the ramp without further incident, and there was no reported damage to the aircraft or the airport.
Date: June 22, 2023
Source: ASN, FAA, FAA
Location: Safford
Type: Air Tractor AT-50A
Injuries: 1 Uninjured
COLLIDED WITH A GROUND OBSTRUCTION
The aircraft struck power lines while crop dusting and landed in a field. The extent of damage was unknown.
Date: June 23, 2023
Source: NTSB, FAA
Location: Marana
Type: Cessna 172K
Injuries: 1 Minor
FORCED LANDING OFF AIRPORT
The aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances in a field 5-10 miles west of Marana. The pilot reported an inflight fuel leak before the forced landing, and the aircraft flipped upside down during the landing. The NTSB determined the damage to be substantial.
Date: July 3, 2023
Source: FAA Incident
Location: 50 Miles East of Blythe (BLH)
Type: Eurocopter EC-135
Injuries: None Reported
ENGINE ISSUES
The aircraft made an emergency landing because of reported engine issues. There was no reported damage incurred.
Date: July 12, 2023
Source: FAA
Location: Prescott (PRC)
Type: Cessna 172
Injuries: 2 Uninjured
BIRD STRIKE
While conducting touch and go landings the aircraft struck a bird over the approach end of the runway, made a full stop landing, and then taxied to the ramp for an inspection for damage. It was noted that there was a dent in the wing and the lens in the landing light was broken. The full extent of the damage was unreported. An airport truck inspected the runway for FOD, and after finding none, the runway was reopened.