Preliminary NTSB report released on Chattanooga plane crash

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The preliminary National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report of the November 19 plane crash has been released.

The report states the two involved in the crash were a flight instructor and private pilot.

The purpose of the flight was to prepare for the private pilot’s instrument check-ride.

He goes onto to say that he conducted a thorough preflight and engine run-up before taking off, and no anomalies were noted.

After taking off from Lovell Field Airport (CHA), the engine RPM dropped to 2,300 RPM.

The report states the private pilot contacted air traffic control (ATC), advising that they were in instrument meteorological conditions and needed to return to land.

As the engine continued to lose power, the private pilot declared an emergency.

They were able to gain visual of the runway, but the plane was too fast on touchdown.

A go-around was executed to avoid going off the runway and into the trees.

The engine lost total power as the airplane climbed above the trees.

According to the report, the private pilot said the only option was to attempt an off field landing to a road.

The airplane clipped trees and came to a rest on the side of Shallowford Road.

The Cessna 172, N951JA, sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.

No postimpact fire occurred.

The airplane was taken to a salvage facility to further examine the engine.

This information is preliminary as the investigation is ongoing.