Accident Overview
On April 23, 2025, at approximately 1703 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172RG (registration N6386V) was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Louisburg, North Carolina. The commercial pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Preflight and Takeoff
During the preflight inspection, the pilot found water while sampling fuel from the fuel tanks. He continued sampling until no more water was observed, then rocked the wings to release any trapped water and sampled the fuel again until clear. The wing fuel tanks were approximately half full. Engine start and run-up were normal.
At about 1702, the pilot entered the runway and applied full power for takeoff. All engine indications were normal. He released the brakes and began the takeoff roll. When the airspeed reached 55 knots, the pilot increased pitch attitude and climbed out at 70 knots.
Power Loss Event
When no usable runway remained, the pilot selected the landing gear to the up position. He reported that "the moment the landing pump switched on the engine lost power." The power loss was described as a smooth reduction to idle, where the engine remained. The pilot immediately selected the landing gear down and reduced the throttle, attempting to land on the remaining runway and runoff area.
Realizing he could not do so, he attempted to glide over the airport perimeter fence. During the glide, he applied full throttle, and the engine revved to about 1,900 rpm before reducing uncommanded again to idle.
Impact and Damage
The landing gear impacted the perimeter fence, the horizontal stabilizer struck a fence pole, and the airplane impacted a road near the airport perimeter. It then slid off the road into a field. The horizontal stabilizer sustained substantial damage during the accident sequence.
Wreckage Examination
The wreckage was retained for further examination.