Accident Details
On March 2, 2026, at 1910 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172N, registration N1560E, was substantially damaged in an accident near Newberg, New York. The aircraft was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The flight instructor and the student pilot incurred minor injuries.
Flight Sequence
According to the flight instructor, after performing a touch-and-go landing at New York Stewart International Airport (SWF), the engine was not producing normal rpm. When the instructor leaned across the cockpit to view the engine gauges, he observed that the oil pressure was indicating zero. He declared an emergency with air traffic control and requested a direct return to the airport. Shortly thereafter, the engine began to run extremely rough before it lost total power. The instructor took over the controls from the student pilot and determined that the airplane would not be able to reach the airport. He made the decision to land in the Hudson River close to the western shore, in the area with the most lighting.
Ditching and Recovery
The instructor subsequently ditched the airplane among broken patch ice. During the ditching, the aircraft struck some submerged structures, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. Both pilots extricated themselves from the airplane and reached the shore. The airplane sank until the wings were awash but remained largely afloat. It was recovered the following day. The wreckage was retained for further examination.