# @downinnadesert on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DY7vxj-ln4I
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/66068356-downinnadesert-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/d2688e1365.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-05-29T19:00:02.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Down In The Desert🌵 (@downinnadesert) — https://gondola.cc/downinnadesert

## Caption

One of the wildest Sky Harbor incidents of the year happened back in February when a man allegedly made his way onto airport property and ended up near active runways.

According to reports, 34-year-old Jaime Mendoza abandoned his vehicle near 24th Street and Old Tower Road before climbing an airport perimeter fence and entering the airfield at Phoenix Sky Harbor.

Air traffic control recordings and witness reports said the man was seen near taxiing aircraft before dropping to his knees on the tarmac. Officials said he did not touch any planes, but reportedly got dangerously close as crews worked to stop runway operations and respond.

Phoenix police later took Mendoza into custody. Authorities said he appeared to be in crisis and was taken to a hospital for evaluation.

Airport officials said safety and security remain their top priority, and that multiple layers of protection are in place across the airport system.

Incidents like this are rare, but at one of the busiest airports in the country, even a few minutes on the runway can create a serious safety concern.

If you were on a plane and saw someone running near the aircraft, what would be going through your mind? 👇

Send us stories you think we should cover next.

#PhoenixAZ #SkyHarbor #ArizonaNews #AirportIncident #DownInnaDesert

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 1,141
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- **Comments:** 32

## Tags

skyharbor, downinnadesert, phoenixaz, arizonanews, airportincident

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