Cessna 172 N79306 accident near Billings, Montana

Preliminary information

On June 19, 2025, at 1412 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 172K airplane, N79306, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Billings, Montana. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

Preliminary ADS-B data provided by the Federal Aviation Administration showed that the airplane departed Ostlunds Airport, Billings, Montana at 1407 in a climbing left turn to the southeast. At 1411 the airplane overflew a private ranch and the flight track subsequently ended at 1412 about 230 ft southeast of the accident site.

The airplane came to rest underneath a set of damaged power distribution lines on the floor of a coulee. The debris field was contained within about a 75 ft by 75 ft area. The first identified point of contact (FIPC) was a ground scar consistent with the leading edge of the left wing. Red colored glass fragments consistent with the left wingtip navigation light were noted at the outboard end of the ground scar.

The main wreckage was upright, about 18 ft from the FIPC, and was oriented on an approximate heading of 200° magnetic, at an elevation of 3,770 ft mean sea level. Evidence of a postcrash fire was observed throughout the wreckage.

All major components of the airframe, all primary flight controls, and the engine and propeller assembly were observed throughout the debris field. Flight control continuity was established on scene. The elevator trim was found to be in the neutral position, and flaps were observed in the fully retracted position. Both fuel tanks sustained hydraulic deformation consistent with the tanks containing a quantity of fuel at the time of impact. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

The wreckage was transported to a secure location for further examination.

Figure 1 ADS-B Track

Figure 2 Aerial view of Accident Site (Courtesy of Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office)

Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25FA182 for the full record.