What happened
On December 20, 2024, at approximately 1400 Atlantic standard time, a Cessna 172S, registration N22088, was involved in a fatal accident near Cintrona, Puerto Rico. The aircraft was being operated under Part 91 for personal flight.
The flight began at Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport (TJIG) in San Juan. After departing, the aircraft flew toward Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport (TJVQ) in Isla de Vieques, where the pilot performed a touch-and-go landing. The aircraft then proceeded to Mercedita Airport (TJPS) in Ponce, where a second touch-and-go landing was completed.
Shortly after departing TJPS heading north, the pilot transmitted a "Mayday" call over the common traffic advisory frequency, reporting a loss of control. A second Mayday transmission occurred approximately 20 seconds later. The aircraft's final ADS-B position was located roughly 0.3 nautical miles northeast of the accident site, near the departure end of runway 12.
The aircraft struck a mango orchard approximately 1.8 nautical miles from the end of runway 12. The wreckage path spanned approximately 360 feet. The initial impact occurred 15 feet up a mango tree, with subsequent impacts involving trees and the ground. The wreckage was widely distributed, with the engine, wings, and empennette components separated from the fuselage due to impact forces.
There was 1 fatality resulting from the accident.