Fatal Cessna 172G Accident Near Independence, Oregon (N3992L)

Accident Overview and Flight History On December 16, 2023, at approximately 1654 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172G airplane, registration N3992L, was substantially damaged in an accident near Independence, Oregon. The pilot and two pilot-rated passengers were fatally injured. The flight was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The aircraft owner had permitted the pilot to use the airplane for training purposes, including preparation for a private pilot certificate, instrument rating, and commercial pilot certificate. On the day of the accident, the pilot’s flight instructor was unavailable for in-person training but supervised the flight remotely. The pilot intended to conduct instrument approaches in visual flight rules (VFR) conditions and brought along a pilot-rated passenger who held an instrument rating. ADS-B data indicated the flight began around 1500 from Independence State Airport (7S5) and proceeded to Mc Minnville Municipal Airport (MMV). The flight instructor monitored the flight via FlightAware and observed that the pilot was training as briefed. The instructor noted that fog had developed around 7S5 sooner than expected and advised the pilot, who had landed at MMV, not to return to 7S5 due to ground fog and visibility of about 500 feet. The pilot stated he had sufficient fuel and planned to fly to 7S5 to assess conditions, with a possible diversion to McNary Field Airport (SLE) in Salem, Oregon, or a return to MMV. The pilot also informed the instructor that he had picked up a second pilot-rated passenger at MMV. ADS-B data showed the airplane departed MMV around 1638 and proceeded directly to 7S5. A recording of the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) for 7S5 revealed the pilot made 10-mile and 5-mile advisory calls, both indicating an intention to land. Approximately three minutes later, the pilot reported entering the downwind leg for landing on runway 34. Shortly after, five clicks were recorded on the CTAF frequency, consistent with activating the position light (PCL) to medium intensity. About one minute later, the pilot made his final radio call, advising 7S5 traffic that 92L had turned final for runway 34. ADS-B data recorded the airplane entering the 7S5 traffic pattern on the downwind leg at approximately 1,200 feet mean sea level (msl). The aircraft initially flew parallel to the runway but drifted left toward the runway centerline after passing the runway. After continuing south of the runway by about 1.4 miles, the airplane began a descending 180-degree left-hand turn from base to final. During the turn, the airplane overshot the runway centerline to the east. The pilot continued the left descending turn and crossed the runway centerline a second time; at the end of the 180-degree turn, the airplane was about 0.4 mile left of the runway centerline. The airplane continued to descend and deviate left, away from the runway. The last ADS-B data point recorded the airplane at about 200 feet msl, or about 22 feet above ground level (agl), approximately 288 feet southwest of the accident site, which was about 694 feet northwest of the threshold of runway 34. The airplane contacted a powerline support pole at a height of about 69 feet agl and impacted terrain, coming to rest about 170 feet from the pole. The airplane was substantially damaged by impact and postimpact fire.