by Jim Timm
There were Two Near Mid Air Collision incidents reported during the reporting period from September 12, 2025, through October 2, 2025.
DATE: September 5, 2025
LOCATION: Prescott Airport (PRC)
Shortly after entering the Prescott Class Delta Airspace the transponder of a Cessna 182 failed, and while the Cessna was on a straight in to the runway, ATC placed another aircraft in front of the Cessna while they were on short final. Because of the closeness of the other aircraft, the Cessna initiated a go-around. Later the pilot of the Cessna advised ATC that he thought the event was a Near Mid Air Collision (NMAC). Due to the transponder issue, the vertical separation is unknown, but the lateral separation appeared to be 0.05 NM.
DATE: September 24, 2025
LOCATION: Prescott Airport (PRC)
A Cessna 172 reported unauthorized UAS activity at pattern altitude while on a downwind to the runway. The Cessna mentioned that they had to maneuver to avoid the UAS. (They did not use the term “evasive” action). The UAS was reported to be white in color, large, and loitering. Prescott operations notified all aircraft in the pattern to fly a wider than normal downwind to avoid the UAS. Another Cessna reported seeing the UAS, but didn’t have to maneuver to avoid it. No other aircraft were affected, there was no impact on operations, and there were no further reports of UAS activity. ATIS information was updated advising of unauthorized UAS activity.