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November 17, 2025 · Piper Aircraft PA-28-181 · N4402N

Mesa, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Factual report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 17, 2025
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Mesa, AZ
Aircraft
Piper Aircraft PA-28-181 (2013)
Tail Number
N4402N
Operator
Cae Aviation Academy Phoenix
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR26LA045

On November 17, 2025, about 0830 mountain standard time, a Piper PA 28-181, N4402N, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Mesa, Arizona. The flight instructor and student pilot were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The flight instructor reported that after a training flight they had returned to Falcon Field Airport (FFZ), Mesa, Arizona, where they then conducted 3 touch and go landings and a go-around. They continued their training in the traffic pattern and were in an extended downwind for runway 4L. After entering the base leg of the traffic pattern and as they were preparing for the approach, an uncommanded reduction of power occurred. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and advanced the mixture lever and moved the throttle lever; however, he was unable to restore engine power. The flight instructor soon realized they would not make the runway and assessed the limited landing options. He subsequently made a forced landing on a gravel road that paralleled a water canal. 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. The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.

Full Narrative

On November 17, 2025, about 0830 mountain standard time, a Piper PA 28-181, N4402N, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Mesa, Arizona. The flight instructor and student pilot were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The flight instructor reported that after a training flight they had returned to Falcon Field Airport (FFZ), Mesa, Arizona, where they then conducted 3 touch and go landings and a go-around. They continued their training in the traffic pattern and were in an extended downwind for runway 4L. After entering the base leg of the traffic pattern and as they were preparing for the approach, an uncommanded reduction of power occurred. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and advanced the mixture lever and moved the throttle lever; however, he was unable to restore engine power. The flight instructor soon realized they would not make the runway and assessed the limited landing options. He subsequently made a forced landing on a gravel road that paralleled a water canal. 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. The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:30 MST
Nearest AirportFalcon Fld (1nm SW)
Runway04L/
Runway Length3799 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper Aircraft PA-28-181
Tail NumberN4402N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCae Aviation Academy Phoenix
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 F / 48 F
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time08:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data