What happened
On February 21, 2026, at approximately 1746 Mountain standard time, a Cessna 177B, registration N12984, was involved in an accident near Rocky Junction, Arizona. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal flight.
During the departure phase at an altitude of approximately 6,500 feet MSL, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot noted that one cylinder head temperature had exceeded 460 degrees. In an attempt to restore power, the pilot activated the fuel boost pumps and switched fuel tanks, but the engine failed to restart. The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing into remote, hilly terrain.
The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries to the pilot and passenger, and there were 0 fatalities. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.