What happened
The pilot was conducting local flight operations involving practice takeoffs and landings within the traffic pattern. After completing a touch-and-go maneuver, he reported being on the right downwind leg for another landing attempt. The pilot acknowledged clearance to continue his approach; however, an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal activated shortly thereafter. Approximately one hour later, the aircraft was discovered at the top of a hill, having impacted trees in that location.
The crash site was situated approximately 2.5 miles northwest of the airport elevation. The terrain at the impact site stood at an elevation of about 985 feet, while the airport elevation was recorded at 529 feet. There were no reports of pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft systems.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the surrounding area to determine the sequence of events. A key finding involved an obstruction light installed on the hilltop where the aircraft crashed. This light had been inoperative for several years prior to the accident, potentially reducing visual cues for the pilot during the approach.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to this accident included the pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during the practice maneuver and the lack of a functioning obstruction light on the nearby hill. The aircraft was identified as N12345, a Cessna 172. The flight phase was categorized as touch-and-go. The weather conditions were not explicitly detailed in the available records, but the terrain elevation difference played a critical role in the outcome.
Safety message
Pilots practicing touch-and-go landings must remain vigilant regarding terrain clearance, especially when operating near elevated obstacles. Ensuring that airport and surrounding obstruction lighting is operational is also critical for visual reference during low-altitude maneuvers.