WPR24LA084

Factual narrative

On February 10, 2024, at 0745 mountain standard time, a Cessna 172P, N52436, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Goodyear, Arizona. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The flight instructor reported that shortly after departing Glendale Municipal Airport (GEU), Glendale, Arizona, during a climb while enroute to the practice area, she noticed the engine oil pressure indication had dropped to near zero. The instructor took control of the airplane and requested to the tower controller to return to GEU for a precautionary landing. Prior to initiating a 180° turn to GEU, the engine had a partial loss of power, and she decided to divert to Phoenix Goodyear Airport (GYR), Goodyear, Arizona. About 2 miles north of GYR, about 1,000 ft above ground level, the engine had a total loss of power. The instructor searched for an alternative place to land, and initiated a forced landing to a nearby residential street. During the forced landing, the airplane struck a tree and subsequently collided with an unoccupied vehicle before it came to rest upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The wreckage was recovered to a secure facility for further examination. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• — Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine (reciprocating)-Recip engine power section-Failure
• — Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine (reciprocating)-Recip engine power section-Fatigue/wear/corrosion
• — Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Maintenance personnel
• — Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Owner/builder
• — Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine (reciprocating)-(general)-Related maintenance info