N89120

Substantial
None

Cessna 140S/N: 8128

Accident Details

Date
Monday, November 5, 2007
NTSB Number
DEN08CA026
Location
Poultney, VT
Event ID
20080103X00009
Coordinates
43.349998, -73.233329
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's attempt to land on an unimproved airstrip resulting in a ground loop/swerve. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's poor judgement in attempting to land on an unsuitable runway and the unsuitable runway conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N89120
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
8128
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1946
Model / ICAO
140C140
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
58 DOGWOOD PL
Status
Deregistered
City
MILFORD
State / Zip Code
CT 06460-4929
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot told an FAA inspector he was constructing a runway on his property and was anxious to "try it out." When the airplane landed, the right wheel struck a rock and the airplane ground looped to the right. The pilot tried to recover and the airplane ground looped to the left. It eventually went down into a ditch. Both wings were crushed and the engine was pushed back into the cockpit. The FAA inspector said the runway was in no condition to accommodate aircraft.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DEN08CA026