NTSB Factual Report

On April, 14, 2016, about 1530 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 175, N6792E, was substantially damaged during a forced landing after a loss of engine power to a highway in Wartburg, Tennessee. The student pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the instructional flight conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, which originated at Rockwood Municipal Airport (RKW), Rockwood, Tennessee, about 1500, destined for Williamsburg-Whitley County Airport (BYL), Williamsburg, Kentucky

The purpose of the flight was for the student pilot to complete a solo cross country flight. The student pilot stated he performed a preflight inspection and engine runup before departure. The takeoff and climb were normal, however shortly after leveling off at 3,500 feet above mean sea level, the engine began to sputter. Then while checking the fuel mixture and fuel gauges, engine RPM dropped to about 1,000. Unable to regain power to the engine, the pilot performed a forced landing on a highway. During the landing, the airplane struck and then came to rest against a tree.

According to a first responder, there was fuel leaking from the airplane when emergency personnel arrived on scene.

On scene examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane had incurred substantial damage. The right wing and engine were separated from the airplane; the outboard portion of the left wing was impact damaged, and the fuselage, and empennage, displayed impact damage.

The wreckage was retained by the NTSB for further examination.