Accident Details
On November 19, 2024, at 1851 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172, registration N951JA, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Chattanooga, Tennessee. The flight was conducted as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The aircraft was occupied by a flight instructor and a private pilot, both of whom sustained minor injuries.
Flight History
According to the private pilot, the flight's purpose was preparation for his instrument check-ride. He reported conducting a thorough preflight inspection and engine run-up before departure, during which no anomalies were noted. Shortly after takeoff from Lovell Field Airport (CHA) in Chattanooga, while at an altitude of 1,700 ft mean sea level, the engine RPM dropped to 2,300 RPM. The private pilot contacted air traffic control (ATC), advising that they were in instrument meteorological conditions and needed to return to land. He declared an emergency as the engine continued to lose power. Working with ATC, the airplane was vectored back toward the airport.
The private pilot stated that they obtained visual contact with runway 33, but the airplane's speed was too high upon touchdown, prompting a go-around to avoid departing the runway end and entering trees. As the airplane climbed above the trees, the engine lost total power. The only available option was an off-field landing onto a road. During the landing, the airplane clipped trees and came to rest on the side of the road.
Damage and Recovery
The accident resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. No postimpact fire occurred. The airplane was recovered to a salvage facility for further examination of the engine.