Accident Overview
On December 19, 2024, at approximately 1515 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-24-250, registration N7833P, was involved in an accident near Mesa, Arizona. The pilot and a pilot-rated passenger were not injured. The flight was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Sequence of Events
According to airport personnel at Falcon Field Airport (FFZ) in Mesa, the airplane departed runway 22L. Shortly after departure, the pilot radioed tower personnel that they had experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot executed a 180° turn in an attempt to land on runway 4L, but the airplane landed short of the runway in an orange grove.
Postaccident Findings
Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that the entire airplane came to rest at the accident site. The engine separated at its engine mounts from the airframe and was found adjacent to the right door, forward of the right wing.
Recovery
The airplane was recovered to a secure storage facility for further examination.