PIPER PA-28-140

Full Narrative

On July 5, 2026, at about 0825 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N3995K, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Salome, Arizona. The pilot and passenger were uninjured. The airplane was operating as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
According to the passenger, who was a rated pilot and mechanic, the purpose of the flight was to conduct an engine break-in flight following a recent engine overhaul. Before the flight, the pilot and passenger completed a preflight inspection and engine ground run, during which no anomalies were noted. The magneto checks were within specifications, with an approximate 100-rpm drop, and the passenger did not observe any abnormal engine temperature or oil pressure indications. The passenger reported that he had previously conducted ground runs on the engine following the overhaul, and they were normal.
The airplane departed from runway 17 at Western Sky Airpark (OAZ2), Salome, Arizona. The passenger described the takeoff as normal and stated that the engine was producing about 2,400 rpm, with the throttle full forward and the mixture full rich. At about 800 to 900 ft above ground level, the pilot turned the airplane to the right and began reducing the throttle from full power. The passenger estimated the throttle reduction at about 200 rpm, though he did not recall the exact rpm amount.
Immediately after the throttle was reduced, the engine lost all power. The passenger reported there were no indications of an impending engine failure, including no unusual vibration, smoke, sounds, or abnormal gauge readings. The pilot then searched for a forced landing area. The passenger estimated that about 20 to 30 seconds later the airplane impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, tail, and empennage.
The wreckage was recovered to a secure location for further examination.