Cessna 172 engine failure near Sandersville, Georgia

No fatalities • Sandersville, GA, United States

A positioning flight in a Cessna 172 resulted in an accident after the engine RPM dropped during departure.

What happened

On October 10, 2025, at approximately 20:15 EDT, a Cessna 172G, registration N4390L, was involved in an accident near Sandersville, Georgia. The aircraft was being operated by AERO SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL LLC on a Part 91 positioning flight to return the airplane to its home base following completed maintenance.

The pilot reported that the preflight inspection was completed and the engine run-up appeared normal. During the flight, the pilot used a measuring stick to verify fuel levels. Shortly after takeoff, at an altitude of approximately 250 feet above ground level, the engine RPM began to decrease. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot the issue by adjusting the throttle and verifying the fuel selector position, but the aircraft could not maintain altitude and struck the tops of trees.

The accident resulted in one minor injury to a passenger, while the pilot was not injured.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Oct 2025 CESSNA 172 G accident near Sandersville, GA?

A positioning flight in a Cessna 172 resulted in an accident after the engine RPM dropped during departure.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Oct 2025 CESSNA 172 G accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Oct 2025 involved a CESSNA 172 G, registration N4390L, operated by AERO SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL LLC, at Sandersville, GA.

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