Scheduled As A “Discovery Flight,” (The Flight) Was Scheduled To Last From 1200 Until 1400

Location: Eagle River, AK Accident Number: ANC21FA065
Date & Time: July 26, 2021, 13:20 Local Registration: N65698
Aircraft: Cessna 172P Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

On July 26, 2021, about 1320 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 172P airplane, N65698, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Eagle River, Alaska. The flight instructor and private pilot received fatal injuries. The flight was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

The flight, operated by Angel Aviation Inc., Anchorage, Alaska, originated from Merrill Field Airport (MRI), Anchorage, Alaska, about 1215 and was destined for Girdwood Airport (AQY), Girdwood, Alaska.

After departing MRI, the airplane proceeded northbound near Palmer, Alaska before turning towards the Knik Glacier. The flight, scheduled as a “discovery flight,” was scheduled to last from 1200 until 1400. When the airplane did not arrive at AQY , a concerned family member referenced a tracking application which showed the airplane had stopped moving in the area of the Eagle River Valley, then notified authorities.

About 1700, an alert notice (ALNOT) was issued and a search was initiated, which involved the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, Civil Air Patrol and other good Samaritan aircraft. About 2245, the wreckage was located in an area of steep, rising glacial terrain at an elevation of about 3,100 ft.

An NTSB post-accident examination revealed that all major components remained attached at their respective attach points. Flight control continuity was established from all control surfaces to the cockpit. Internal engine continuity was confirmed through rotation of the propeller.

The airplane was equipped with an Ameri-King Corporation AK-451-2 emergency locator transmitter (ELT) certified in accordance with technical standards order (TSO) C-126 and C091(a). The ELT remained secure in it’s cradle and the wires and antenna remained attached. During the search, no signals were received from the 406MHz or 121.5MHz system.

The ELT has been retained for further testing.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov