Accident Details
On August 15, 2025, at about 1415 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172, registration N7205Q, was substantially damaged when it struck trees near Titusville, Florida. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and the flight instructor received minor injuries. The aircraft was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.
Flight History
According to the pilot, a preflight inspection was performed and 17.5 gallons of fuel were onboard. After approximately 40 minutes of flying, the flight returned to the departure airport to practice touch-and-go landings. During the third touch-and-go, while descending, the pilot attempted to add power but the engine did not respond. The flight instructor observed the tachometer indicating 1,000 rpm with the throttle lever fully forward. The fuel selector was on 'both', the mixture was in the rich position, and carburetor heat was 'on', yet the engine failed to respond. The instructor took control and attempted to fly back toward the runway, but the airplane contacted trees about half a mile from the airport property.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that several gallons of automotive fuel remained in the airplane's fuel tanks. The wreckage was retained for further examination.