by Jim Timm
The following are the reports of aviation accidents, and incidents that have occurred in Arizona from mid-July through mid-August. We hope to use the following detailed accident/incident 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 Accident/Incident report is a little bit longer than last time, and again the number of FAA reported incidents was again significant.
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 should suit 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: July 1, 2025
Source: FAA
Location: Near Chinle
Type: Cessna 425 Corsair
Injuries: 2 Uninjured
Pilot info. Private Pilot
EMERGENCY LANDING
The aircraft made an emergency landing on a highway after both engines had failed. The aircraft damage was substantial.
Date: July 11, 2025
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Prescott (PRC)
Type: Cessna 172
Injuries: 2 Uninjured
No Pilot Information
BIRD STRIKE
The pilot reported a bird strike during the takeoff, and the pilot returned, and landed without incident. After taxiing to the ramp, the pilot reported damage to the engine from the bird strike.
Date: July 16, 2025
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
Type: Piper PA 28R-200 Arrow
Injuries: Unknown Uninjured
No Pilot Information
RUNWAY EXCURSION
The Piper went off the runway after landing and got the nose wheel stuck in some rocks. After shutting the engine down, the city pushed the aircraft out of the rocks, and it taxied to parking without further assistance.
Date: July 21, 2025
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Yuma (NYL)
Type: Ercoupe 415-CD
Injuries: 1 Uninjured
Commercial Pilot
RUNWAY EXCURSION
Because of a strong crosswind, the airplane “floated” off the runway. The pilot was able to taxi back onto the runway, and to the ramp. Neither the airplane nor the airport sustained any damage.
Date: August 2, 2025
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Prescott Airport (PRC)
Type: Cessna 172
Injuries: Unknown Injuries
Pilot Certification Unknown
LOSS OF CONTOL LANDING
While landing, the aircraft veered off the runway and then corrected back onto the runway. It then taxied to the ramp without further incident.
Date: August 5, 2025
Source: APA Member, ASN, FAA, NTSB
Location: Chinle Airport (E91)
Type: BE300 Super King Air
Injuries: 4 Fatalities
Commercial Pilot
LOSS OF CONTROL LANDING
The Super King Air impacted terrain during a landing attempt at Chinle Airport, and the aircraft was destroyed. The purpose of the flight was to pick up a patient in a nearby hospital at Chinle.
Date: August 9, 2025
Source: FAA Incident
Location: Phoenix Deer Valley (DVT)
Type: Piper PA 28-181 Archer
Injuries: Unknown Uninjured
No Pilot Information
BIRD STRIKE
While conducting touch and go operations the pilot noted a bird strike to the aircraft wing during the approach. The pilot landed, and taxied to the ramp, and found a small dent in the flap.
Date: August 12, 2025
Source: ASN, FAA
Location: Near Goodyear
Type: Pitts S-1T Special
Injuries: 1 Fatality
ATP/CFI Plot
CONTROLLED FLIGHT INTO TERRAIN
The airplane departed from Goodyear on a taxiway without contacting ATC. The pilot didn’t have a headset, and the transponder was turned off after takeoff. After the crash, concerns were expressed about the pilot’s mental state. There was one hour fuel on board, and the ensuing crash was near Goodyear airport. There were very few details provided concerning the crash, which was presumed to be a suicide.
Date: August 24, 2045
Source: Media, ASN
Location: Near Taylor
Type: Cessna 120
Injuries: 2 Uninjured
Pilot info.: No Pilot Information
RAN OUT OF FUEL
The aircraft ran out of fuel and landed off airport.