Overview
- Two pilots on a training flight reported engine failure Tuesday while returning to Falcon Field and set down on Main Street near Gilbert Road with no injuries.
- The FAA’s preliminary report says the aircraft declared “mayday” due to engine issues as the pilots prepared for an emergency landing.
- The plane was a 1965 Piper Cherokee PA-28-180 registered to Venture West Airline Pilot Academy based at Mesa’s Falcon Field.
- Mesa police video showed the aircraft touching down facing east in the empty westbound lane next to the canal and coming to a quick stop.
- The academy said both pilots were unharmed, the airplane had no damage, and crews later hauled it back to the hangar as police closed the area for the investigation.