Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl — Safety History & Runway Risks
NTSB accident analysis for KPHX: 19 events analyzed
Phoenix, AZ · 1134.8 ft MSL · 3 runways
Based on 19 NTSB events at KPHX (Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl), the most important risks for pilots are:
- Runway Excursion / Loss of Directional Control on Landing. Two GA-relevant events involved runway excursions: a Cessna TU206 lost directional control after a windshear encounter during the landing roll (May 2021, winds 240° at 12G18), and a Piper PA46-500TP departed the runway due to a combination of poor directional control and low nosewheel tire pressure (Jan 2011). Both occurred in VMC, suggesting wind and aircraft condition are more critical factors than visibility.
- Crosswind and Wind Shear on Landing Roll. KPHX runways are all oriented roughly east-west (headings 090/270). The May 2021 Cessna excursion occurred with winds from 240° at 12G18 knots, creating a crosswind component on landing. The August 2021 MD-11F go-around mishap involved winds from 340° at 13G22 knots, also crossing the runway. Gusty crosswind conditions are a recurrent factor in the loss-of-control events in the dataset.
- Runway Confusion / Incursion Risk. A March 2010 runway incursion occurred when a Cessna 208 cleared to land on runway 25L instead landed on runway 25R, overflying a Boeing 737 holding in position. KPHX has three parallel east-west runways (07L/25R, 07R/25L, 08/26) in close proximity, creating genuine runway identification risk, especially for GA pilots unfamiliar with the airport.
Source: NTSB accident records analyzed by Tropiq. Updated 4/14/2026.
Safety History
19 eventsKPHX has recorded 19 NTSB events from 2008–2025 with zero fatalities, reflecting a relatively safe operational record at a high-traffic commercial hub. However, GA pilots should be aware of wind shear and directional control challenges during landing, complex ground movement at a busy multi-runway airport, and density altitude considerations at 1,135 ft MSL in Phoenix's extreme summer heat. The event history is dominated by airline incidents, but three events directly involved general aviation aircraft.
Across 17 years, KPHX has an average of roughly one NTSB-reportable event per year, with zero fatalities in all 19 events. The record reflects the airport's predominantly commercial traffic, with GA aircraft involved in only three to four events.
- •All 19 events occurred in VMC or unknown/unreported weather conditions — no events were associated with IMC, low visibility, or precipitation, consistent with Phoenix's predominantly clear climate.
- •Daytime (DAYL) events account for the majority, reflecting both the volume of daytime operations and Phoenix's high proportion of VFR daylight flying.
- •Ground-movement incidents (ramp collisions, pushback errors, GPU strikes) form a recurring category with at least four events, highlighting ramp congestion as a persistent hazard.
- •GA aircraft were directly involved in the Cessna TU206 excursion (2021), the Piper PA46 excursion (2011), the Enstrom 280 engine failure (2016), and the Beech D17S gear-up landing (2011).
- •No events were attributed to ATC error, instrument approach failures, or weather-related IMC — consistent with Phoenix's reputation as a high-visibility, clear-sky environment.
Runway Analysis
Key Risks
Common Causes
Seasonal Patterns
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database. Analysis generated 2026-04-14. This data is provided for flight planning awareness and does not replace official safety briefings.
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