N2082N

Substantial
None

CESSNA 140S/N: 12318

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
NTSB Number
CEN10CA174
Location
Malta, OH
Event ID
20100324X44647
Coordinates
39.687221, -82.006668
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's decision to take off in conditions that exceeded the climb capability of the airplane.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
12318
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1947
Model / ICAO
140C140
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
140

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
HOPPE FARMS INC
Address
30622 220TH AVE SW
City
CROOKSTON
State / Zip Code
MN 56716-8862
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot stated he taxied both ways on the grass airstrip so he could evaluate the condition of the "moist" grass and the winds prior to takeoff. He determined that a light, gusty crosswind existed and the slope of the terrain favored runway 24. The pilot performed a short/soft takeoff and the airplane lifted into ground effect at 45 mph. He stated he did not notice the engine rpms, but the airplane did seem to be accelerating. The pilot aborted the takeoff to avoid contacting trees at the end of the airstrip. He stated he held full back pressure on the control yoke and applied the brakes. The airplane subsequently nosed over resulting in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. A wind sock was present on the airstrip. Just prior to the accident, the closest weather reporting station, 22 miles away, reported winds from 070 degrees at 4 knots. The winds reported 53 minutes after the accident were from 030 degrees at 10 knots. The gross weight of the airplane at the time of the accident was about 3.5 pounds under the maximum gross weight. The pilot purchased the airplane about 3 weeks prior to the accident.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN10CA174