by Jim Timm
We had three Near Mid Air Collision incidents reported during the period from October 10 through November 14, 2024. The details the incidents are as follows:
Date: 10/3
Location: Near Phoenix/Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
A NMAC was filed by Gateway airport (IWA) when a Blackhawk helicopter took evasive action to avoid an unknown Cessna 152. The closest proximity was approximately 10-20 feet.
Date: 10/21
Location: Near Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ)
A Piper aircraft reported a possible NMAC departing Falcon Field on the Sparky Departure. The pilot reported a controller restricted their climb to the pattern altitude of 2,400 feet for traffic. The pilot reported they had to quickly descend to 1,900 feet for a Cessna who turned into them. The pilot didn’t advise ATC of the situation.
Date: 11/4
Location: NMAC & Pilot Deviation at Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
A Piper was on the upwind for RWY 25L, and a Cessna was on the upwind for RWY 25R. At approximately 1NM upwind, The Cessna began drifting south into the upwind of RWY 25L. At approximately 1.7NM upwind Cessna's target overlapped the Piper’s. Closest proximity was 0.03 NM and 100 feet. At the same time The Piper informed the controller that there was an a/c near them on their ADS-B. The controller acknowledged, and stated they could not see the altitude due to the targets overlapping, but suggested the Piper maintain their current altitude. The Piper advised the controller they were going to continue climbing, and wanted to report it as a Near Miss, and advised the controller the aircraft was turning towards them. The controller stated, "Traffic alert use caution." The controller stated they issued this statement but did not know what else to do or say as far as a traffic alert goes because the Piper had the a/c in sight. A Brasher was issued to the Cessna.