Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that, after demonstrating emergency descent procedures to the student pilot during an instructional flight, he applied engine power to recover from the simulation, but the engine had experienced a total loss of power. After performing troubleshooting steps, which did not restore full power, the instructor performed a forced landing. During the landing roll, the airplane struck a berm and sustained substantial damage.
The airplane's most recent annual inspection was completed about 14 months before the accident; however, postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation, and the engine performed with no anomalies during a subsequent test run. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR17LA020 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 12, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Taylor, Arizona
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 28-235
- N-number
- N9398W
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1968
- 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.