A Piper Seminole rests on the runway at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport after making a gear-up landing during an aircraft emergency Saturday afternoon. Two people onboard were able to self-extricate and reported no injuries. Photo credit: Trevor @ Prime News Network

BREAKING: Airplane Crashes at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport After Landing Gear Failure

By Ciara Perez | Senior Multimedia Correspondent and Trevor Gryder, Prime News Network
iSkyNews.com | Published October 3, 2026

MESA, Ariz. — An airplane crashed during an emergency gear-up landing at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Saturday afternoon after experiencing a landing gear problem, according to the Mesa Fire and Medical Department.

At approximately 2 p.m., Mesa Fire and Medical crews responded to the airport for an Alert 2 involving a Piper Seminole experiencing an issue with its landing gear.

According to Mesa Fire and Medical, the aircraft was approximately 10 minutes from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport when emergency crews were alerted. Officials said the airplane had approximately four hours of fuel remaining onboard and was carrying two people.

The Piper Seminole ultimately completed a gear-up landing and crashed onto the runway, sliding before coming to a harrowing stop.

Following the crash, the emergency response was upgraded from an Alert 2 to an Alert 3. An Alert 2 generally means an aircraft is experiencing a serious problem or emergency and may need assistance upon landing, while an Alert 3 means an aircraft accident or crash has occurred and a full emergency response is needed.

Despite the crash, both occupants were able to self-extricate from the aircraft and reported no injuries.

Mesa Fire and Medical crews inspected the aircraft following the crash and confirmed there was no visible fuel leak. Firefighters also completed a primary search of the aircraft and ensured it was safely shut down before clearing the scene.

No injuries were reported.

The circumstances surrounding the landing gear malfunction remain under investigation.

About Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is located in southeast Mesa and traces its history to the former Williams Air Force Base, which served as a major military pilot training facility before closing in 1993. The facility reopened as a civilian airport in 1994.

Today, Gateway Airport serves the Phoenix East Valley as both a commercial and general aviation facility. The airport is home to more than 40 companies and offers nonstop passenger service to more than 40 destinations, primarily through Allegiant and Sun Country Airlines.

According to the airport, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway also serves as a growing aerospace and aviation center supporting aircraft maintenance, testing, pilot training, commercial aviation, general aviation and military operations.

Source: Mesa Fire and Medical Department. Additional airport background information provided by Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.

This is a developing story. iSkyNews.com will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Video Courtesy of Prime News Network

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Thank you to our first responders for their quick response, assistance, and continued dedication to keeping our community safe.

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