What happened
On November 14, 2024, at approximately 0704 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172I, registration N46028, was involved in an accident near Van Nuys, California. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal use.
Following a normal preflight inspection and engine runup, the pilot received clearance for a left crosswind departure from runway 16R. The pilot reported that the takeoff roll, rotation, and initial climb proceeded normally. After reaching approximately 1,400 feet AGL, the pilot completed the cruise checklist, at which point the engine began to sputter and suffered a loss of partial power.
The pilot declared an emergency with the tower controller, pitched the aircraft for best glide airspeed, and attempted to return to the airport. During the emergency procedures, the pilot applied carburetor heat, verified the fuel selector was in the 'both' position, and performed a magneto check, but was unable to restore power. Realizing the airport was unreachable, the pilot performed a forced landing in an open area approximately 2 NM northeast of the departure end of runway 16R.
During the landing roll on an uneven dirt surface, the aircraft struck vegetation and nosed over. The accident resulted in no injuries to the pilot or passenger, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, rudder, and the right wing lift strut.