What happened
On January 27, 2026, a Diamond DA-40 NG, registration N708BL, was conducting a Part 91 instructional flight near Bay Minette, Alabama. The flight was intended as a stage check for a student pilot preparing for a private pilot checkride.
During the flight, while near a practice area approximately 12 nautical miles northwest of Pensacola International Airport (PNS), the crew performed an intentional slow flight maneuver. Upon applying full power to recover to normal flight, the crew observed oscillations in the engine RPM and engine power load percentage. The flight instructor assumed control and directed the student to perform the checklist for oscillating engine RPM, but the procedure failed to resolve the issue.
The instructor decided to divert to Bay Minette Airport (1R8), making an announcement on the common traffic advisory frequency and declaring an emergency with Pensacola terminal radar approach control. The crew attempted the emergency procedure for a dual engine control unit failure, which also did not stop the oscillations. Shortly after, the instructor noted low coolant level and low oil pressure annunciations, followed by a complete loss of engine power. After an unsuccessful engine restart attempt, the instructor performed a forced landing into dense brush approximately 1 nautical mile east of 1R8.
The flight instructor and student pilot sustained 2 minor injuries, and there were 0 fatalities.
The investigation
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the aircraft and found substantial damage to the wings and empennage. Following the removal of the engine cowling, investigators discovered an outward puncture in the engine case and thermal damage to various engine accessories. A dark liquid, consistent with oil, was found on the underside of the fuselage and the empennage. Additionally, approximately 20 gallons of liquid consistent with Jet-A fuel were recovered from the aircraft.