PIPER PA-28-140

Full Narrative

On May 14, 2026, at 2043 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28, N8714N, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Chandler, Arizona. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
According to the pilot, after several takeoffs and landings at a private airstrip near Chandler, Arizona he heard a loud popping sound from the engine. The engine subsequently began running rough and operating at reduced power as the airplane descended about 300 ft per minute. The pilot reported the loss of engine power to air traffic control while approximately 8 nm south of Chandler Municipal Airport.
The pilot continued toward the airport while assessing potential emergency landing sites. When the airplane descended to about 1,800 ft mean sea level, the pilot determined the airplane would not reach the airport and selected a nearby field for an emergency landing.
During the landing rollout, the airplane crossed a berm at the edge of the field. The nose landing gear subsequently separated after encountering soft terrain, and the airplane came to rest in the field.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The propeller was damaged, and the nose landing gear separated during the accident sequence.
Postaccident examination of the wreckage by the FAA revealed an oil residue on the right side of the engine.
The wreckage was retained for further examination.