WPR24LA154

Factual narrative

On May 16, 2024, about 0915 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172G, N4448L, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident in Lakeport, California. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, he departed Ukiah Municipal Airport (UKI), Ukiah, California, and was returning to his home airport, Lampson Field Airport (1O2), Lakeport, California. Upon his return to 1O2, he decided to practice full stop landings. After performing several takeoffs and landings, he decided to conduct one more flight in the airport traffic pattern. On the accident takeoff, as the airplane began to climb, the engine lost partial power and the airplane began to lose altitude. The pilot stated that the engine was still running, but not producing enough power to sustain flight. The pilot elected to continue straight ahead and initiated a forced landing to a field. During the landing sequence, the empennage impacted a barb-wire fence and separated from the fuselage. The airplane was recovered to a secure facility for further examination. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Temp/humidity/pressure-Conducive to carburetor icing-Effect on equipment
• — Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of equip/system-Pilot
• — Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Power plant-Air intake-Incorrect use/operation