Cessna 172 Skyhawk, N7137T: Accident occurred July 16, 2021 in Skwentna, Alaska

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident. 

Additional Participating Entity: 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage, Alaska

https://registry.faa.gov/N7137T

Location: Skwentna, AK

Accident Number: ANC21LA061

Date & Time: July 16, 2021, 12:30 Local 

Registration: N7137T

Aircraft: Cessna 172 

Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On July 16, 2021, about 1230 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 172, N7137T, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Skwentna, Alaska. The pilot was uninjured, and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that during takeoff from a remote gravel bar, the airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power. The airplane subsequently encountered a “bump”, the nose veered right, and then nosed down. The airplane impacted the ground with the nose and left wing before coming to rest upright. The pilot and passenger were able to egress from the airplane without further incident.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The airplane has been recovered and is pending a detailed examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 

Registration: N7137T

Model/Series: 172

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Amateur Built: No

Operator: On file 

Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC

Condition of Light: Day

Observation Facility, Elevation: PATK,356 ft msl

Observation Time: 11:53 Local

Distance from Accident Site: 35 Nautical Miles

Temperature/Dew Point: 21°C /11°C

Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots / , 310°

Lowest Ceiling: None

Visibility: 10 miles

Altimeter Setting: 30.03 inches Hg

Type of Flight Plan Filed:

Departure Point: Skwentna, AK

Destination: Skwentna, AK (SKW)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor 

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries: 

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 None

Latitude, Longitude: 61.918987,-150.99146 (est)