What happened
On December 16, 2023, a Cessna 172G, registration N3992L, was involved in a fatal accident near Independence, Oregon. The flight was being conducted under visual flight rules (VFR) for the purpose of training the pilot for an instrument rating and commercial certificate. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and two pilot-rated passengers.
Prior to the accident, the pilot's flight instructor monitored the flight via an internet-based tracking site. After the pilot landed at Mc Minnville Municipal Airport (MMV), the instructor contacted the pilot to advise against returning to Independence State Airport (7S5) due to developing fog that had reduced ground visibility to approximately 500 feet. The pilot informed the instructor that he intended to fly to 7S5 to check the conditions, with a plan to divert to Salem (SLE) or return to MMV if necessary.
At approximately 1638, the aircraft departed MMV for 7S5. During the approach, the pilot made several radio calls indicating an intention to land and activated the pilot-controlled runway lights. ADS-B data indicated that while on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the aircraft drifted toward the runway centerline. The pilot then initiated a 180-degree descending left-hand turn from the base leg to the final leg, overshooting the runway centerline twice. The aircraft continued to descend and deviate left of the runway, eventually impacting a powerline support pole at an altitude of approximately 69 feet above ground level. The aircraft then impacted the terrain, resulting in 3 fatal injuries.
The investigation
An examination of the airframe and engine found no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation. The engine had separated from the aircraft during the impact, and the propeller blades showed chordwise aft bends. A post-impact fire significantly damaged the fuselage and cabin area.
Weather analysis confirmed that instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) were present at the time of the accident. While the nearest automated weather station at Salem (SLE) reported visibility of 5 miles in mist, a study of the area indicated a fog bank was present, and a pilot report from Aurora State Airport (UAO) noted cloud bases as low as 200 feet.