Incident Overview
A Cessna 172 was observed by a witness shortly after departure flying at a low altitude with its nose bobbing up and down. Another witness reported seeing the airplane in a left turn and hearing a reduction in engine power. Subsequently, the airplane dove into a wooded area. A post-crash fire consumed the cockpit and wings of the aircraft.
Investigation Findings
Investigators examined the wreckage and found no evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction with either the engine or the airframe. The cause of the power reduction and subsequent dive was not determined by the investigation.
Environmental Conditions
Witnesses reported that frost was present on the wings of other airplanes in the area at the time of the accident. Examination of the outside tie-down location where the accident airplane had been secured revealed no evidence that the tops of the wings had been examined or de-iced prior to flight.
Aircraft Information
The airplane involved was a Cessna 172. No other details about the aircraft, such as registration or engine count, were provided in the source.