Accident Overview
On March 4, 2026, at approximately 0721 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28-140, registration N7744T, was substantially damaged in an accident near Phoenix, Arizona. The aircraft was operating as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The flight instructor sustained serious injuries, while the student pilot and one person on the ground sustained minor injuries.
Flight Details
Preliminary ADS-B data from the Federal Aviation Administration indicated that the airplane departed from runway 07R at Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT) around 0715. It continued on the upwind leg for about 1.5 miles before making a slight left turn toward the northeast. According to the student pilot, the flight was destined for the northeast practice area. Around 0719, at an altitude of about 1,700 feet above ground level, ADS-B data showed the airplane initiating a left turn to the west in the direction of DVT. It subsequently entered a gradual descent and continued a southwestern track toward DVT for about 2.8 miles.
Engine Power Loss
The flight instructor reported that after the onset of engine power loss, he made a radio call to DVT tower to advise of the situation and his intention to return to the airport. He observed that engine rpm decreased to about 600–700 rpm, accompanied by rough vibrations. He applied full throttle and leaned the mixture, which resulted in a slight increase in engine rpm. He then configured the airplane for best glide speed while continuing toward DVT. The instructor stated that during the return flight, the engine continued to produce reduced power. About 5 to 10 seconds before impact, the engine lost power completely.
Final Approach and Impact
A review of video footage from a nearby residential home security camera captured the airplane approaching the accident site at a low altitude. The airplane subsequently entered a shallow right turn, followed by an increase in pitch, after which the right wing dropped. The airplane impacted the roof of a residence and subsequently struck an exterior wall of an adjacent second residence, before coming to rest in the second home's backyard.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane impacted a residential neighborhood about 2 miles northeast of DVT. The fuselage, along with the left wing, came to rest on the ground at the base of a house in a near-vertical, nose-down attitude on a magnetic heading of approximately 052°. The right wing was separated and remained lodged within the roof of the first residence. Wreckage debris remained within about 20 feet of the wreckage, including the right-wing flap, the nose landing gear, and fragments of fuselage skin. The engine and propeller assembly remained attached to the airframe and was compressed upward and to the right. The wreckage was recovered to a secure location for further examination.