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NTSB Report
December 7, 1985 · Cessna 140 · N4155N
Rochester, IN
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 7, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Rochester, IN
Aircraft
Cessna 140
Tail Number
N4155N
Operator
Ned Bemenderfer
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI86LA043
UPON TAKEOFF AND AFTER REACHING AN ALTITUDE OF APPROX TEN FEET THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE COWL BECAME UNLATCHED AND WHIPPED UP INTO THE AIRSTREAM, BLOCKING THE PILOTS FORWARD VIEW AND CAUSING SOME CONTROL PROBLEMS. HE ELECTED TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF AND RAN OFF THE RUNWAY DURING LANDING ROLLOUT. THE AIRCRAFT HIT A SNOWBANK AND FLIPPED OVER ON ITS BACK. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT THE COWL LATCHES APPEARED TO BE WORKING PROPERLY BEFORE AND AFTER THE ACCIDENT.
Full Narrative
UPON TAKEOFF AND AFTER REACHING AN ALTITUDE OF APPROX TEN FEET THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE COWL BECAME UNLATCHED AND WHIPPED UP INTO THE AIRSTREAM, BLOCKING THE PILOTS FORWARD VIEW AND CAUSING SOME CONTROL PROBLEMS. HE ELECTED TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF AND RAN OFF THE RUNWAY DURING LANDING ROLLOUT. THE AIRCRAFT HIT A SNOWBANK AND FLIPPED OVER ON ITS BACK. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT THE COWL LATCHES APPEARED TO BE WORKING PROPERLY BEFORE AND AFTER THE ACCIDENT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:15 EST
Nearest AirportFulton County (0nm N)
Runway11
Runway Length3200 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 140
Tail NumberN4155N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorNed Bemenderfer
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C85-7-12 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 6 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingOvercast 1800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point34 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO