NTSB Factual Report

On June 26, 2018, about 1020 mountain standard time, a Cessna 172SP airplane, N154ME, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Phoenix, Arizona. The commercial pilot received minor injuries and the two passengers were not injured. The airplane was privately owned and operated by Westwind School of Aeronautics under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a business flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight departed Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT), Phoenix, Arizona about 0920.

The pilot reported that while maneuvering at 4,500-5,000 ft mean sea level (msl), the vacuum annunciator lights illuminated and the engine immediately experienced roughness. He decided to depart the practice area and head back to DVT. He did not report an emergency or the engine roughness to air traffic control (ATC), because he didn't anticipate a loss of engine power. The pilot positioned the fuel mixture to full rich, and the boost pump switch to 'ON' however the engine continued to run rough during the return flight. About 8 miles northwest of DVT, as the pilot decreased altitude from 4,500 to 3,500 ft msl, he was instructed by ATC to perform a left 360° turn. After completing the turn, the engine lost power and the propeller stopped rotating. The pilot configured the airplane for best glide, found a clearing in the desert terrain for the forced landing and updated ATC about his situation. During the landing roll, the airplane impacted rocks and nosed over.

Examination of the airplane by an Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the vertical stabilizer, rudder, right wing and forward fuselage were substantially damaged. The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.