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May 9, 2008 · Cessna 140 · N89307

Burlington, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 9, 2008
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Burlington, WI
Aircraft
Cessna 140
Tail Number
N89307
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI08CA127

The pilot reported that they departed about 1530 and flew to a second airport. They were conducting takeoffs and full stop landings on runway 01 (2,477 feet by 130 feet, turf) at that airport at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that on the third takeoff, the engine failed after lift off. The airplane impacted a tree during the forced landing and subsequently came to rest inverted. The pilot informed a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector that the engine began to run rough. He applied carburetor heat and the engine operation smoothed out momentarily, and then quit. The airplane was at an altitude of approximately 250 feet above ground level, in a left turn at the time. A post accident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a pre impact failure. The airplane had been inverted for several hours after the accident. As a result, the exact amount of fuel on-board at the time of the accident could not be established.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the low altitude at the time of the loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that they departed Chicago Executive Airport (PWK), Wheeling, Illinois, about 1530 and flew to Burlington Municipal Airport (BUU), Burlington, Wisconsin. They were conducting takeoffs and full stop landings on runway 01 (2,477 feet by 130 feet, turf) at BUU. The pilot stated that on the third takeoff, the engine failed after lift off. The airplane impacted a tree during the forced landing and subsequently came to rest inverted. The pilot informed a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector that the engine began to run rough. He applied carburetor heat and the engine operation smoothed out momentarily, and then quit. The airplane was at an altitude of approximately 250 feet above ground level, in a left turn at the time. A post accident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a pre impact failure. Engine continuity was confirmed via crankshaft rotation and compression was observed on all cylinders. The magnetos provided a spark when rotated and spark plug appearance was consistent with normal wear. The carburetor was intact. No fluid was observed in the carburetor or in the gascolator. The air filter and intake manifold appeared unobstructed. The fuel selector was set to the right tank and appeared unobstructed. The right fuel tank contained an estimated 4 or 5 gallons at the time of the post accident examination. The left fuel tank was nearly empty at that time. The fuel tank caps were in place and secure. The fuel vents appeared open and functional. The airplane had been inverted for several hours after the accident. The exact amount of fuel on-board at the time of the accident could not be established. The pilot stated that 12 gallons of fuel were on-board at the time of the initial takeoff. The airplane manufacturer reported that the published fuel burn for the airplane was approximately 4.7 ~ 7.0 gallons per hour. Total fuel capacity is 25 gallons, with 21 gallons useable. Each fuel tank is equipped with a single outlet located in the center of the tank, which is the lowest part of the tank in cruise flight. This configuration allows use of approximately 3 additional gallons of fuel in steady level flight. However, for that reason, takeoffs are not permitted with less than 1/4 tank of fuel due to the possibility of unporting a fuel tank outlet at higher pitch attitudes.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 CDT
Nearest AirportBurlington Muni (0nm)
Runway01
Runway Length2477 ft
Runway Width130 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 140
Tail NumberN89307
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200 · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 65 · First Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 37 C
Altimeter29.84 inHg
Observation Time21:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data