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NTSB Report
May 17, 1989 · Cessna 140 · N4240N
Linden, MI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 17, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Linden, MI
Aircraft
Cessna 140
Tail Number
N4240N
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI89LA093
WHILE ON A LOCAL PLEASURE FLIGHT, THE NON-CERTIFICATED PILOT WAS OBSERVED TO MAKE A HARD LANDING ON A SOD RUNWAY. WHEN THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO A STOP, THE PILOT SHUT IT DOWN AND PERFORMED A WALK-AROUND INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT. THE PILOT WAS THEN OBSERVED TO RESTART THE AIRCRAFT AND TAKE OFF, RETURNING TO THE AIRCRAFT'S HOME BASE AIRPORT. WITNESSES REPORTED THAT THE AIRCRAFT'S 'TAIL WHEEL WAS VIBRATING ENOUGH TO SEE AND HEAR IT...THE PLANE (FLEW) COCKEYED.' THE AIRCRAFT SUSTAINED FURTHER DAMAGE WHEN IT GROUND-LOOPED UPON LANDING AT THE HOME BASE.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S POOR JUDGEMENT, POOR AIRCRAFT HANDLING, AND THE RESULTANT HARD TOUCHDOWN.
Full Narrative
WHILE ON A LOCAL PLEASURE FLIGHT, THE NON-CERTIFICATED PILOT WAS OBSERVED TO MAKE A HARD LANDING ON A SOD RUNWAY. WHEN THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO A STOP, THE PILOT SHUT IT DOWN AND PERFORMED A WALK-AROUND INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT. THE PILOT WAS THEN OBSERVED TO RESTART THE AIRCRAFT AND TAKE OFF, RETURNING TO THE AIRCRAFT'S HOME BASE AIRPORT. WITNESSES REPORTED THAT THE AIRCRAFT'S 'TAIL WHEEL WAS VIBRATING ENOUGH TO SEE AND HEAR IT...THE PLANE (FLEW) COCKEYED.' THE AIRCRAFT SUSTAINED FURTHER DAMAGE WHEN IT GROUND-LOOPED UPON LANDING AT THE HOME BASE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 EDT
Nearest AirportLinden Prices Airport (0nm N)
Runway36
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width90 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 140
Tail NumberN4240N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-85-12 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 55 · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360°
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO