...Unable To Return To The Airport And Made A Forced Landing In The Everglades National Park

Location: Miami, FL Accident Number: ERA23LA141
Date & Time: March 7, 2023, 17:22 Local Registration: N64535
Aircraft: Cessna 172M Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

On March 7, 2023, about 1722 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172, N64535, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Miami, Florida. The flight instructor and student pilot were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

The flight instructor said the engine began to make a “knocking” noise followed by a total loss of oil pressure. The engine then seized and the propeller “locked up.” The instructor said they were unable to return to the airport and made a forced landing in the Everglades National Park. The nose wheel of the airplane dug into the soft/wet terrain and slowly flipped over resulting in substantial damage to the lower fuselage/firewall. A portion of the nose landing gear also separated from the airframe.

The airplane was recovered and taken to a secure facility for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov