Accident Details
On March 1, 2025, at approximately 1138 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172S, registration N923EP, was substantially damaged in an accident near New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The airplane was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The flight instructor and student pilot reported no injuries.
Preflight and Takeoff
The accident flight was the student pilot's first flight in an airplane. Prior to departure from New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport (EVB), the left fuel tank was fueled, bringing the total fuel onboard to 51.6 gallons. No discrepancies were noted during the preflight inspection or engine run-up. The flight instructor conducted a departure briefing, and after a brief hold short of the runway, the flight was cleared for takeoff.
Engine Failure
During the takeoff roll, with the mixture control set to full rich and full throttle applied, the engine rpm exceeded 2,300 and increased to 2,400 after becoming airborne. When the airplane reached approximately 180 feet above the runway, the engine rpm dropped and the engine lost power completely.
Emergency Landing
The flight instructor took control of the airplane and executed an emergency landing, turning "everything fuel related off." He pitched down to maintain airspeed and declared a mayday with the air traffic control tower. The airplane touched down on the beginning of the threshold for runway 2 and then rolled onto grass. To avoid nosing over, the instructor attempted to avoid excessive braking and maneuvered the airplane toward a fence to avoid vehicles on a road off-airport. The airplane collided with the fence and subsequently nosed over.
Avionics Data
A review of the operator-provided download from the on-board avionics revealed that takeoff power was applied at 1137:41, and the rpm remained above 2,400 until 1138:04, when both rpm and fuel flow began to decrease. The engine rpm continued to decrease to zero.
Post-Accident
The airplane was recovered and retained for further examination.