At 1432, Over Lower Grey Cloud Island, The Target Disappeared

Location: Cottage Grove, MN Accident Number: CEN20LA392
Date & Time: 09/13/2020, 1432 CDT Registration: N8488L
Aircraft: Cessna 172 Injuries: 3 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On September 13, 2020, at 1432 central daylight time, a Cessna 172I airplane, N8488L was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Cottage Grove, Minnesota. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

Radar data showed the airplane depart SGS at 1428, climbing to about 1,800 ft mean sea level, and proceed southbound before it turned southeast-bound over Upper Grey Cloud Island. At 1432, over Lower Grey Cloud Island, the target disappeared. Another airplane, inbound for landing at SGS, captured N8488L in a video and still photographs as it descended. Examination of the photographs indicated the airplane appeared to be intact.

Some wreckage was located and recovered on September 14, 2020. The majority of the wreckage (about 90 percent) was recovered on September 19, 2020. The wreckage has been taken to a secure location where it will be further examined.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov