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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 28, 1999 · Cessna 140 · N89586

Farmington, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 28, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Farmington, NM
Aircraft
Cessna 140
Tail Number
N89586
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN99LA088

The pilot said he raised the tail for takeoff at an indicated airspeed of 35 mph. The nose of the airplane pulled to the right and he over corrected with left rudder. The airplane departed the left side of the runway and struck the 5,000 foot marker. The right main landing gear buckled and the right wing contacted the ground, causing substantial wing damage. An FAA inspector examined the airplane and found no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction. At the time of the accident the wind was variable at 5 knots. Although the pilot reported he had accumulated 73 hours total flight time, 40 hours of which were in the Cessna 140, he had acquired only 3 hours of pilot in command time, all of which were in the airplane make and model.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's excessive use of rudder while attempting to correct for loss of directional control. Factors were the pilot's loss of directional control, and his lack of experience in the type of airplane.

Full Narrative

On May 28, 1999, approximately 1105 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 140, N89586, registered to and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain during takeoff at Four Corners Regional Airport, Farmington, New Mexico. The student pilot, the sole occupant aboard, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight was originating when the accident occurred. According to the pilot, he raised the tail for takeoff at an indicated airspeed of 35 mph. The nose of the airplane pulled to the right and he over corrected with left rudder. The airplane departed the left side of the runway and struck the 5,000 foot marker. The right main landing gear buckled and the right wing contacted the ground, causing substantial wing damage. An FAA inspector examined the airplane and found no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction. At the time of the accident the wind was variable at 5 knots. Although the pilot reported he had accumulated 73 hours total flight time, 40 hours of which were in the Cessna 140, he had acquired only 3 hours of pilot in command time, all of which were in the airplane make and model.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:05 MDT
Nearest AirportFour Corners Regional (0nm)
Runway7
Runway Length6702 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 140
Tail NumberN89586
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-85-12 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point41 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data