Probable cause
A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot/owner was on a solo instructional flight when the engine lost power during the upwind leg after takeoff. During the forced landing in a dirt field, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The airplane was examined by investigators following recovery. The engine was started and ran smoothly for 5 minutes at various power settings. No preexisting mechanical anomalies were noted with the examination of the recovered airframe and engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09LA395 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 12, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Glendale, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Glendale Municipal Airport (GEU)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-38-112
- N-number
- N86GW
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.