What happened
On August 6, 2024, at approximately 1820 CDT, a Cessna 172F, registration N7905U, was involved in an accident near Brazoria, Texas. The flight was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal use, intending to travel from Eagle Airpark (2TE0) to Texas Gulf Coast Regional Airport (LBX).
Witnesses observed the aircraft taxiing from its hangar to the departure end of runway 11, which was a turf runway oriented at approximately 110 degrees and wet from recent rain. One witness, an A&P mechanic, noted that the engine sounded as if it were intermittently backfiring during taxi. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft stopped approximately 3 and 300 feet down the runway after another backfire, then began a second takeoff roll.
A second witness observed the aircraft stop on the runway for several minutes before initiating another takeoff roll. This witness then saw the airplane pitch up abruptly at a high angle and climb to roughly 200 feet, at which point the left wing stalled, causing the aircraft to spiral downward to the left until ground impact.
The investigation
Investigation of the accident site revealed the aircraft impacted the ground in a nose-low, left-wing-down attitude. Tire tracks showed the aircraft veering left approximately 50 feet off the runway into tall, uncut, and water-saturated grass.
Evidence indicated the bottom of the horizontal stabilizer struck metal pieces from a carport frame located in the grass. These metal pieces were remnants from a recent hurricane. Additionally, a portion of the right elevator was found embedded in the top wire of a 4-foot-high barbed wire fence bordering the boggy area. The main wreckage was located approximately 200 feet from the fence, with an impact direction of about 090 degrees. The fuel tanks were breached, resulting in a fuel leak.
Mechanical examination of the engine and accessories showed no pre-impact anomalies, and engine drive continuity was established. Fuel in the lines and carburetor bowl was tested and found to be free of water or contaminants. The airframe, flight controls, and fuel system were also examined; flight control continuity was confirmed, and the fuel selector and airframe fuel valve were found in the right tank position and functioning properly.