What happened
On June 11, 2024, at approximately 20:45 CDT, a Cessna 172R, registration N656MA, was involved in an accident near Gainesville, Texas. The flight was being conducted as an instructional flight under Part 141 regulations. The accident resulted in 1 fatality and 1 serious injury.
Earlier that day, at approximately 06:25, airport surveillance recorded a fuel truck refueling N656MA with 32.4 gallons of fuel. During the preflight inspection at 19:12, the flight instructor and student were observed visually inspecting the fuel tanks on each wing. The aircraft departed Denton Enterprise Airport (DTO) at approximately 19:48, traveling northwest. ADS-B data showed the aircraft maneuvering and performing multiple takeoffs and landings at Gainesville Municipal Airport (GLE).
The aircraft subsequently impacted a grassy cow pasture approximately 0.5 miles northwest of the departure end of runway 36 at GLE. The left wingtip struck the ground first, roughly 95 feet south of telephone wires located 35 feet above ground level. The propeller was found partially embedded in the dirt, with one blade buried approximately 8 inches deep. The debris field included the bottom part of the cowling, the left door, pieces of the windshield, and a portion of the left aileron. The engine remained attached to the firewall, and both wings and the empennage remained attached to the fuselage.