This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.
https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N8219U
- History of Flight:
September 26, 2025, at about 1306 local time, a privately-registered Cessna 172F Skyhawk, N8219U, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident at Goheen Airport (W52), Battle Ground, Washington. The sole pilot onboard sustained fatal injuries. The airplane had most likely departed from the Southwest Washington Regional Airport (KLS/KKLS), Kelso, Washington, and was destined to Goheen.
The owner of the airport reported that the pilot was trying to land at the airport when the accident happened.
According to preliminary Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) data (figure 1), the airplane was observed flying south of Kelso, WA, and climbing through 2,500 ft. At about 1240, the airplane turned left and started a descent to 1,500 ft. At 1249, the airplane made a 180 turn while maintaining 1,500 ft. At 1252, the airplane started a 270 turn towards Goheen. The airplane climbed to about 2,100 ft during this turn. At 1257, the airplane started another 270 turn, but was now descending towards the airport. At 1300, the airplane flew over runway 15 and entered the left pattern. At 1303, the airplane appeared to be coming for a second landing on runway 15 before conducting a go-around and entering a tighter pattern. At about 1206, the airplane was seen at 600 ft, 111 knots groundspeed, and descending 1400 feet per minute (fpm) towards the runway. The last ADS-B return was recorded at 1306:13, the airplane was at 300 ft, 101 knots groundspeed, and descending 800 fpm, less than 20-30 ft from the runway 15 threshold. (figure 2)
The wreckage was located next to the runway 15 threshold and in the immediate vicinity of the last ADS-B data point. The wreckage was oriented on an approx 250 degree heading. (figure 3)
- Pilot Information:
unknown.
- Aircraft Information:
The accident airplane, serial number 17252119, was manufactured in 1964. It was an all-metal airplane that incorporates a semi-monocoque fuselage and empennage design. The airplane is equipped with externally braced wings, wing flaps, a fixed-pitch propeller, and a fixed tricycle landing gear. The airplane is configured to seat four occupants and has a certified maximum takeoff weight of 2,300 lbs.
The airplane was equipped with a 145 horsepower Continental O-300 SER engine.
- Wreckage and Impact Information:
The airplane came to rest inverted and was consumed by the post accident fire. The fuselage and both wings were destroyed by the fire. The empennage was free of fire damage.
- Airport Information:
Goheen is an uncontrolled public airport located about 3 miles northwest of Battle Ground, Washington. The airport field elevation was 292 ft. The airport features two turf runways, runway 15/33 is 2565 x 50 ft, and runway 7/25 is 1500 x 48 ft, and only used for emergencies.
- Weather:
(1) METARs:
METAR KSPB 261953Z AUTO VRB03KT 10SM CLR 18/09 A3019 RMK AO2 SLP223 T01830094
METAR KSPB 262053Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM CLR 20/09 A3016 RMK AO2 SLP211 T02000094 58023
(2) Area Forecast Discussion:
Area Forecast Discussion...UPDATE National Weather Service Portland OR 1039 AM PDT Fri Sep 26 2025 Updated Aviation discussion .SYNOPSIS...Conditions will be dry and mild through Sunday, with the warmest temperatures expected on Saturday as high pressure remains over the region. The first in a series of Pacific frontal system will bring widespread rain to the area Sunday night into Monday. Conditions remain cool and showery through at least the middle of next week as additional frontal systems move into the region. The strongest system currently is expected Tuesday through Wednesday and will bring breezy south winds, however uncertainty is high for exact wind speeds. && .SHORT TERM...Now through Sunday...Minimal change in the overall synoptic pattern through Sunday. Expect dry and mild conditions through at least Sunday afternoon/evening as surface high pressure and zonal flow aloft remains in place. Through Sunday expect seasonable temperatures with highs in the 70s over inland valleys and highs in the 60s along the coast. Saturday, is shaping up to be the warmest day with inland highs expected in the upper 70s to low 80s. /42
&& .AVIATION...Westerly flow aloft as weak high pressure persists over the region today. This will maintain predominately VFR conditions through the period. Expect increasing high clouds tonight into Saturday morning as the upper level ridge shifts east and flow aloft becomes southwesterly. Winds remain relatively light at the surface. KPDX AND APPROACHES...Mostly clear skies today will result in VFR through the period. High clouds expected to increase across the area later tonight into Saturday morning. Light winds become northwest 4-6 kt this afternoon. /DH
(3) Sun and Moon Data:
The sun’s position at the time of the accident was about 43° over the horizon on an azimuth of 181° S, and the the Moon was 5 degrees over the horizon on an azimuth of 135° SE. The official Meridian occurred at 1301 LT.
- Additional Information:
no
