What happened
On October 7, 2025, a Cessna 172M, registration N433PT, was involved in an accident near Miami, Florida, during a Part 91 instructional flight. The flight was being conducted by a flight instructor and a private pilot to practice maneuvers for an upcoming commercial pilot check ride.
After departing from Miami Executive Airport (TMB), the crew proceeded southwest to perform various maneuvers, including chandelles and an accelerated stall. Following an accelerated stall, the crew performed a simulated emergency descent. While climbing approximately 300 feet after recovering to 550 feet above ground level, the engine began operating erratically and experienced a loss of approximately 500 RPM.
Unable to maintain a climb, the pilots determined a forced landing was necessary. The aircraft landed in a shallow-water area of the Florida Everglades, at which point the airplane flipped over. The pilot and the flight instructor were not injured, though there was 1 minor injury reported.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the aircraft showed substantial damage to the rudder, vertical stabilizer, and the left wing. The wreckage was kept for further examination.