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December 7, 2025 · Cessna 172 M · N6542H

Pensacola, FL

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 7, 2025
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Location
Pensacola, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 172 M (1975)
Tail Number
N6542H
Operator
Owens Flight Training
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA26LA062

The pilot reported that he was departing on a night instrument flight rules (IFR) cross country flight, back to the airport where the airplane was based. He rotated at 55 knots and when he “started to pull back at 100 ft felt an aggressive yaw to the left.” He applied right rudder, but was unable to correct for the yaw, and the airplane impacted trees to the left of the runway resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and both wings. The pilot stated that before departure he requested the fixed base operator (FBO) add fuel to bring the total onboard to 32 gallons; however, a review of fuel records showed the airplane was fueled with 27.7 gallons of 100LL aviation fuel which filled the wing fuel tanks completely. The airplane had a total fuel capacity of 42 gallons with 38 gallons usable. With the wing fuel tanks full, the pilot, and 3 passengers, the airplane would be overweight, so the pilot decided to drain some fuel. He reported draining 4 gallons of fuel which would bring the total usable fuel to 34 gallons. He then called clearance delivery to obtain his IFR clearance and advised them he would need 30 minutes on the ground to burn more fuel. He subsequently shut the airplane down and measured the amount of fuel using a dipstick, which showed 32 gallons. He then completed another external preflight using the airplane checklist, restarted the airplane, and requested taxi instructions. A review of air traffic control communications showed that 17 minutes had elapsed from the time the pilot called for his IFR clearance to when he requested taxi instructions. The pilot provided a copy of the airplane weight and balance which showed the total amount of fuel onboard of 30 gallons. Based on the received weight and balance information and the unclear amount of fuel onboard, it is likely that the airplane was at or above its maximum takeoff weight. A postaccident examination of the airframe revealed no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The aggressive left yaw the pilot experienced was likely a result of the airplane entering an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s exceedance of the critical angle of attack during initial climb which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he was departing on a night instrument flight rules (IFR) cross country flight, back to the airport where the airplane was based. He rotated at 55 knots and when he “started to pull back at 100 ft felt an aggressive yaw to the left.” He applied right rudder, but was unable to correct for the yaw, and the airplane impacted trees to the left of the runway resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and both wings. The pilot stated that before departure he requested the fixed base operator (FBO) add fuel to bring the total onboard to 32 gallons; however, a review of fuel records showed the airplane was fueled with 27.7 gallons of 100LL aviation fuel which filled the wing fuel tanks completely. The airplane had a total fuel capacity of 42 gallons with 38 gallons usable. With the wing fuel tanks full, the pilot, and 3 passengers, the airplane would be overweight, so the pilot decided to drain some fuel. He reported draining 4 gallons of fuel which would bring the total usable fuel to 34 gallons. He then called clearance delivery to obtain his IFR clearance and advised them he would need 30 minutes on the ground to burn more fuel. He subsequently shut the airplane down and measured the amount of fuel using a dipstick, which showed 32 gallons. He then completed another external preflight using the airplane checklist, restarted the airplane, and requested taxi instructions. A review of air traffic control communications showed that 17 minutes had elapsed from the time the pilot called for his IFR clearance to when he requested taxi instructions. The pilot provided a copy of the airplane weight and balance which showed the total amount of fuel onboard of 30 gallons. Based on the received weight and balance information and the unclear amount of fuel onboard, it is likely that the airplane was at or above its maximum takeoff weight. A postaccident examination of the airframe revealed no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The aggressive left yaw the pilot experienced was likely a result of the airplane entering an aerodynamic stall.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 CST
Nearest AirportPensacola Intl (1nm E)
Runway08
Runway Length7000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 M
Tail NumberN6542H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorOwens Flight Training
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor4
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 35 · First Class · Minor
Crew 2Minor
Crew 3Unkn
Crew 4Minor

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightNight
Wind10° @ 5 kt
Visibility0.2 sm
CeilingOvercast 200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55 F / 55 F
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time17:02
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data