Accident
On November 17, 2025, at about 0830 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28-181, registration N4402N, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Mesa, Arizona. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The flight instructor and student pilot were not injured.
Events Leading to the Incident
The flight instructor reported that after a training flight, the airplane had returned to Falcon Field Airport (FFZ) in Mesa, Arizona. They then conducted three touch-and-go landings and a go-around. Continuing training in the traffic pattern, the aircraft was in an extended downwind for runway 4L. After entering the base leg and while preparing for the approach, an uncommanded reduction of power occurred.
Actions Taken
The flight instructor took control of the airplane. He advanced the mixture lever and moved the throttle lever but was unable to restore engine power. Realizing they would not reach the runway, he assessed the limited landing options and subsequently made a forced landing on a gravel road that paralleled a water canal.
Damage Details
After landing, about 100 yards into the landing roll, the right wing collided with a cinder block fence, and the airplane came to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, left stabilizer, and both wings.
Post-Event Actions
The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.