Probable cause
The Cessna 208 pilot’s failure to identify the correct landing runway.
NTSB analysis
While holding in position after being issued a takeoff clearance, the Boeing 737 captain noticed the Cessna 208 overflying his position and landing in front of him on runway 25R. The Cessna pilot was given clearance to land on runway 25L but instead landed on runway 25R, missing the 737 by about 50 feet. The pilot of the Cessna 208 noted having difficulty seeing the runway due to the setting sun beyond the departure end of runway 25R. Furthermore, he did not state whether or not he was able to make visual contact on final approach with the Boeing 737 that was holding in position in front of him on the runway.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for OPS10IA015 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 20, 2010
- Type
- Incident
- Place
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.