Investigation Summary
On March 30, 2024, the German-registered Cessna 172 Skyhawk (Reims Rocket variant) was performing a private cross-country flight from Rome-Urbe Airport to Bad Wörishofen-Nord. At approximately 11:45 local time, Austro Control lost radar contact with the aircraft in the vicinity of Sölden, Tyrol. A search and rescue operation was initiated, eventually locating the wreckage on the Schrankogel mountain at an elevation of roughly 2,800 meters (9,186 feet). The NTSB is assisting the Austrian investigating agency, UUS Austria, under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13. While secondary sources have noted the presence of strong turbulence, poor visibility, and Saharan dust in the region at the time of the accident, official investigators have not yet released a final determination regarding the sequence of events leading to the crash.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
Reims Cessna FR172F
A variant of the Cessna 172 built under license by Reims Aviation in France, typically equipped with a more powerful 210-horsepower Continental IO-360 engine compared to standard 172 models.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a Reims-built Cessna FR172F, also known as the Reims Rocket.
- 02The flight was a private operation; the NTSB classification of 'Part 129' is an administrative designation for foreign accidents involving U.S.-manufactured aircraft.
- 03The wreckage was found in high-altitude mountainous terrain at approximately 2,800 meters.
- 04The NTSB did not travel to the scene, providing assistance to the Austrian authorities remotely.