What happened
On February 10, 2024, at 07:45 MST, a Cessna 172P, registration N52436, was involved in an accident near Goodyear, Arizona. The aircraft was operating as a Part 91 instructional flight when the flight instructor noticed the engine oil pressure had dropped to near zero during a climb after departing Glendale Municipal Airport (GEU).
After the instructor took control of the aircraft and requested a return to GEU, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. The instructor then decided to divert to Phoenix Goodyear Airport (GYR). Approximately 2 miles north of GYR, at an altitude of about 1,000 feet above ground level, the engine suffered a total loss of power.
In search of an alternative landing site, the instructor initiated a forced landing onto a nearby residential street. During the descent, the aircraft struck a tree and then collided with an unoccupied vehicle before coming to rest in an upright position. The impact resulted in no injuries to the pilot or passenger, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.
The investigation
The wreckage was recovered to a secure facility for examination.