Cessna 172N engine failure leads to tree collision near Seraksyeevo

No fatalities • Россия, Московская обл., городской округ Серпухов, в районе нп Сераксеево

A Cessna 172N experienced an engine failure following takeoff during a technical inspection at Novinki airfield. The aircraft subsequently collided with trees during an emergency landing in a forested area.

On December 13, 2025, a pilot-in-command and an assistant arrived at the Novinki airfield to perform technical inspections, engine testing, and high-speed taxi maneuvers on two aircraft. The tasks involved servicing a Cessna 182H and a Cessna 172N, which included clearing snow and ice from the airframes.

During the operations, the pilot attempted to refuel the aircraft at the airfield's fuel station. After refueling, the pilot made several attempts to start the engine, but the engine failed to start. The crew subsequently towed the aircraft back to the hangar to continue servicing the Cessna 172N RA-67438, specifically removing ice from the wing consoles and tail surfaces.

Following the ground operations, the aircraft experienced an engine failure after takeoff. The pilot attempted a forced landing in a nearby forest, which resulted in the aircraft colliding with trees. No injuries or fatalities were reported in the incident.

The incident occurred during the daytime under visual meteorological conditions in the Serpuhov urban district, near the village of Seraksyeevo, Russia.

Probable cause

The engine failure during flight was caused by a combination of operating the engine beyond its maintenance interval, prolonged storage without proper preservation, failure to comply with service bulletins and airworthiness directives, and a lack of periodic maintenance. The incident was further contributed to by the pilot's decision to operate an aircraft that had not been assessed for airworthiness compliance.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2025-12-13 Cessna 172N accident near Россия, Московская обл., городской округ Серпухов, в районе нп Сераксеево?

A Cessna 172N experienced an engine failure following takeoff during a technical inspection at Novinki airfield. The aircraft subsequently collided with trees during an emergency landing in a forested area.

Were there any fatalities in the 2025-12-13 Cessna 172N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2025-12-13 involved a Cessna 172N, registration RA-67438, operated by Частное лицо, at Россия, Московская обл., городской округ Серпухов, в районе нп Сераксеево.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure during flight was caused by a combination of operating the engine beyond its maintenance interval, prolonged storage without proper preservation, failure to comply with service bulletins and airworthiness directives, and a lack of periodic maintenance. The incident was further contributed to by the…

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