Loss of visual reference: Cessna 172G Skyhawk, N3992L, fatal accident occurred on December 16, 2023, near Independence State Airport (7S5), Independence, Oregon

• Location: Independence, Oregon 
• Accident Number: WPR24FA057 
• Date & Time: December 16, 2023, 16:54 Local 
• Registration: N3992L 
• Aircraft: Cessna 172G 
• Aircraft Damage: Destroyed 
• Defining Event: Loss of visual reference 
• Injuries: 3 Fatal 
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal 

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On December 16, 2023, about 1654 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172G airplane, N3992L, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Independence, Oregon. The pilot and the two pilot-rated passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot and two pilot-rated passengers were returning to their home airport after they were advised by the pilot's flight instructor not to return due to dense fog that reduced visibility to about 500 ft. During their arrival, the pilot made multiple advisory radio calls that confirmed his intention to land and activated the pilot-controlled runway lights (PCL). Recorded ADS-B data showed that while on the downwind leg, after passing the runway lights,  the airplane veered toward  the runway centerline as it continued the downwind leg. The pilot then performed a 180° base to final turn and overshot the runway centerline twice. The airplane then flew past the runway threshold and off to the side of the runway, where it impacted a power distribution line support pole about 694 ft from the approach end of the runway threshold. A postaccident fire substantially damaged the airplane.

Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions of failures that would have precluded normal operation. A weather study confirmed that instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed about the time of the airplane's arrival. The pilot likely lost his ability to maintain visual reference through the fog during the landing approach.

- Probable Cause: The pilot's decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in collision with an obstacle while landing.