Accident Overview
On August 3, 2025, at about 0730 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA28-180 aircraft, registration N8359W, was substantially damaged during an accident near Stagecoach, Nevada. The student pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was being operated as a solo instructional flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight History
The pilot departed Silver Springs Airport (SPZ) earlier that morning for a solo flight. After completing three uneventful takeoffs and landings at Dayton Valley Airpark (A34), the pilot began the return leg to Silver Springs. Approximately 10 minutes after departure, while cruising at an altitude of about 7,500 ft mean sea level (3,200 ft above ground level), the pilot heard a loud bang followed by severe airframe vibration. The engine shook violently and subsequently lost all power. The pilot observed that a propeller blade was missing.
Emergency Response
In response to the engine failure, the pilot prepared for an emergency landing. He shut off the fuel and trimmed the airplane for best glide airspeed. The transponder was set to 7700, and an emergency was declared on the Dayton Valley and Silver Springs common traffic advisory frequency.
Landing and Damage
The pilot selected a highway for the landing, and the touchdown was uneventful. However, during the landing roll, the rudder pedal system was found to be damaged, preventing the pilot from maintaining directional control. The airplane subsequently struck a median curb. The accident sequence resulted in substantial damage to the engine mount.