Feb 26, 2011
Accident
Substantial Phoenix, AZ
Injuries3 fatal
Phase of Flight-
ConditionsVMC
OperationFAR 091
Probable Cause
The pilot and flight instructor's failure to adequately monitor the flight task and environment while maneuvering to maintain sufficient altitude with rising terrain in dark night conditions and the flight instructor's improper decision to practice in an area known to have no illumination, which led to collision with a rock outcropping.
NTSB WPR11FA145