by Jim Timm
The following are the reports of aviation accidents, and incidents that have occurred in Arizona from mid-May through June. 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.
The number of accidents/Incidents have been significant this past reporting period, and aviation safety could have been a bit better. Unfortunately, we did have one fatal accident early in June, but at least in all the other occurrences nobody got seriously hurt. Things could have improved, and we all need to prevent having accidents.
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: May 18, 2024
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Prescott (PRC)
Type: Cessna 172
Injuries: 1 Uninjured
LOSS OF CONTROL TAKING OFF
While performing touch and go landings the pilot saw a flock of birds, and aborted the takeoff which caused them to veer off the runway into a drainage ditch. Per the NTSB the damage incurred was determined to be minor.
Unknown Pilot Certification
Date: May 21, 2024
Source: ASN, NTSB, FAA
Location: Peoria (P48) (Closed)
Type: Nanchang CJ-6A
Injuries: 2 Uninjured
LOSS OF CONTROL LANDING
The Nanchang CJ-6A departed Phoenix Deer Valley airport and was substantially damaged when it collided with a parked trailer during a landing attempt at the closed Pleasant Valley Airport near Peoria (P48). Preliminary information indicates the aircraft experienced engine issues and attempted a landing at the permanently closed airport, but it overshot the runway.
Commercial Pilot
Date: May 27, 2024
Source: ASN, FAA
Location: Somerton (54 AZ)
Type: Zenair CH601HDS ZODIAC
Injuries: 1 Uninjured
RAN OUT OF FUEL
The aircraft was making a local flight, and they landed in a field due to the auxiliary tank being empty. The resultant damage was substantial.
Private Pilot
Date: June 5, 2024
Source: FAA Incident
Location: South Of Prescott
Type: Kubricek BB30XR Balloon
Injuries: Pilot Uninjured, 4 Crew Members Uninjured
EXCESSIVE WINDS
While the Balloon was attempting to takeoff from a parking lot, the pilot reported excessive winds forced the balloon to strike a parked vehicle, and a fence, incurring minor damage to both the Balloon and Vehicle.
Pilot Certification Unknown
Date: June 6, 2024
Source: FAA
Location: Ak Chin (A39)
Type: Robinson R22 Helicopter
Injuries: 2 Uninjured
HARD LANDING
While practicing auto rotations, the helicopter had a hard landing on the runway. The damage was determined to be substantial.
Commercial/CFI Pilot
Date: June 8, 2024
Source: ASN, FAA, NTSB
Location: Picacho Peak
Type: Rans S-12XL Airaile
Injuries: 1 Fatality
CONTROLLED FLIGHT INTO TERRAIN
The aircraft, an experimental amateur built Rans S-12XL Airaile, sustained substantial damage subsequent to impact with the mountainous terrain of Picacho Peak.
Sport Pilot
Date: June 8, 2024
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
Type: Vans RV-8
Injuries: 1 Uninjured
LOSS OF CONTROL LANDING
The RV-8 veered off the runway into the grass after landing and damaged the left wheel fairing. The NTSB determined the damage was minor.
ATP/CFI Pilot
Date: June 10, 2024
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Buckeye (BXK)
Type: Beechcraft BE58 Baron
Injuries: 1 Uninjured
ENGINE FAILURE
The Beech Baron had lost power on one of it’s engines, and headed for Buckeye (BXK), and then started having problems with the second engine. Albuquerque Center declared an Emergency for the aircraft, and it ultimately made a safe landing at Buckeye.
Pilot Certification Unknown
Date: June 11, 2024
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Phoenix/Mesa Gateway (IWA)
Type: Cessna 172
Injuries: 2 Uninjured
TAIL STRIKE
The Cessna experienced a tail strike while landing, causing damage to the skid plate, and the rudder. The extent of damage was determined to be minor.
Pilot Certification Unknown
Date: June 11, 2024
Source: FAA
Location: Dusty Wings (AZ06)
Type: Cessna 150
Injuries: 1 Minor Injury
ENGINE FAILURE
The aircraft had departed Yuma (YUM), and due to an engine failure, they crashed into trees approximately one mile from the Dusty Wings Airport (AZ06). Dusty Wings Airport is 12 miles NE of Wellton, AZ. The local Fire Department deployed foam as a precaution due to the fuel/fire hazard.
Commercial/CFI Pilot