Cessna 172H Destroyed in Accident Near Newborn, Georgia (N1612F)

Accident Overview and Flight History On January 6, 2020, at 1423 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172H, N1612F, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Newborn, Georgia. The aircraft was operating as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot, who owned the aircraft, departed Toccoa Airport-RG Letourneau Field (TOC) at approximately 1230, with Cairo-Grady County Airport (70J) as the intended destination, located about 240 nautical miles away. The pilot’s daughter indicated he was likely flying to Cairo to look for property in the area. Radar data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) tracked the aircraft after departure. The aircraft flew on a heading of about 170° for 15 miles, turned right to 233° for 5 miles, and then turned south to 190° for 25 miles. About an hour into the flight, the aircraft turned west-southwest and followed a meandering track for about 10 miles near Newborn. It then made a right turn north and completed several left 360° turns before turning east and completing two additional right 360° turns. The aircraft briefly proceeded north, completed several more 360° turns, and then entered 13 right 360° turns progressing eastward until radar contact was lost near the accident site. Two witnesses observed the aircraft flying low just before the accident, and another witness reported it was circling and then descended below the tree line. The aircraft impacted terrain, and a postaccident fire ensued.