What happened
On August 15, 2025, at approximately 1415 EDT, a Cessna 172, registration N7205Q, was involved in an accident near Titusville, Florida, during a Part 91 instructional flight.
The pilot had completed a preflight inspection, noting 17.5 gallons of fuel on board. After approximately 40 minutes of flight, the crew returned to the departure airport to perform touch-and-go landings. During the third touch-and-go, while the aircraft was in a descent, the pilot attempted to increase power, but the engine failed to respond.
The flight instructor reported that although the throttle lever was fully open, the tachometer showed only 1,000 RPM. The instructor noted that the fuel selector was set to both tanks, the mixture was in the rich position, and the carburetor heat was on, yet the engine remained unresponsive. The instructor took control of the aircraft and attempted to return to the runway, but the airplane struck trees approximately one-half mile from the airport property.
Injuries
The accident resulted in one serious injury to the pilot and one minor injury to the flight instructor. There were no fatalities.