Cessna C-172R | N656MA

The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the CFI did allow the aircraft to stall during an attempted off field landing, likely after a surprise reduction in thrust after takeoff, following a touch and go, or a go around.
The lighting conditions were somewhat diminished as the accident occurred as the sun was setting to their left. The aircraft first impacted open terrain Northwest of the departure runway in an open field with energy insufficient for a flare, whereupon the left wing and left landing gear impacted the field. The aircraft bounced and made further impact about 32 feet north of that location. The CFI died at the scene as a result of her injuries, the student pilot survived.

Probable Cause issued 5/13/2026 – 23 months after the accident: The fuel pump manufacturer’s improper torquing (NTSB spelling error) of screws on the engine-driven fuel pump, which resulted in a disruption in the fuel system and a loss of engine power on initial climb.

The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft be conscious of AQP scenarios LOTOT and ROTOT involving thrust problems that may be encountered after liftoff, and be conditioned to maintain aircraft energy by lowering the nose, and plan to land off field, wings level, full flaps, and straight ahead when able.