What happened
On November 19, 2024, a Cessna 172S, registration N951JA, was involved in an accident near Chattanooga, Tennessee. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 as an instructional flight to prepare the private pilot for an instrument check-ride.
Shortly after departing Lovell Field Airport (CHA) at an altitude of 1,700 feet MSL, the engine RPM dropped to 2,300 RPM. The pilot notified air traffic control that the aircraft was in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and required a return to the airport. Due to a continuous loss of power, the pilot declared an emergency.
While attempting to return to the airport, the crew obtained visual contact with runway 33. However, because the aircraft was traveling too fast during the touchdown attempt, the pilot executed a go-around to prevent overrunning the runway into trees. During the subsequent climb, the engine suffered a total loss of power. The pilot performed an off-field landing on a road, during which the aircraft struck trees. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings, but there was no post-impact fire. The flight instructor and private pilot both sustained 2 minor injuries.