Accident Overview
On June 19, 2025, at 1412 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 172K airplane, registration N79306, was destroyed in an accident near Billings, Montana. The pilot was fatally injured. The flight was conducted as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Flight History
Preliminary Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) data from the Federal Aviation Administration indicated that the airplane departed from Ostlunds Airport, Billings, Montana, at 1407. It executed a climbing left turn to the southeast. At 1411, the airplane overflew a private ranch. The flight track ended at 1412 about 230 ft southeast of the accident site.
Impact and Wreckage
The airplane came to rest underneath a set of damaged power distribution lines on the floor of a coulee. The debris field was contained within an area of approximately 75 ft by 75 ft. The first identified point of contact (FIPC) was a ground scar consistent with the leading edge of the left wing. Red colored glass fragments, consistent with the left wingtip navigation light, were found at the outboard end of the ground scar.
The main wreckage was upright, about 18 ft from the FIPC, and was oriented on an approximate heading of 200° magnetic at an elevation of 3,770 ft mean sea level. Evidence of a postcrash fire was observed throughout the wreckage.
Examination Findings
All major components of the airframe, all primary flight controls, and the engine and propeller assembly were present in the debris field. Flight control continuity was established at the scene. The elevator trim was in the neutral position, and the flaps were fully retracted. Both fuel tanks exhibited hydraulic deformation consistent with containing fuel at impact. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
The wreckage was transported to a secure location for further examination.