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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

April 18, 2013 · Cessna 140 · N76688

Lancaster, SC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 18, 2013
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lancaster, SC
Aircraft
Cessna 140
Tail Number
N76688
Operator
Wiese Jerry W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA13CA208

The pilot stated that before he departed for a local flight, the wind was “squirrelly and swapping around” and that at takeoff the wind favored runway 21. After flying for about 15 to 20 minutes, the pilot returned to the departure airport and flew over it to observe the windsock, which indicated the wind had shifted and now favored runway 3. He entered the airport traffic pattern for runway 3 and perceived that the ground speed was “a little fast” during the approach to land. He continued the approach and touched down about 1/3 down the runway and perceived that the groundspeed was now “real fast.” Because the airplane was tailwheel equipped, the pilot did not apply the brakes; instead, he added power to go around, reporting that the engine responded normally. The pilot said that the airplane barely cleared the power lines off the end of the runway with marginal airspeed, and then stalled/mushed into the trees beyond the power lines. The pilot also reported that he was not aware of any preimpact failure or malfunction that would have precluded normal operations of the airplane, engine, or engine systems. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the carburetor heat was on, the fuel selector was off, and the throttle was full forward. A weather observation taken about 23 minutes after the accident at an airport located about 13 nautical miles north of the accident airport indicated that the wind was from 200 degrees at 5 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s decision to land with a tailwind and his failure to turn off the carburetor heat during a go-around, which resulted in degraded engine performance and the airplane’s subsequent collision with trees at the end of the runway.

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that before departure for a local flight the wind was “squirrelly and swapping around” and at takeoff the wind favored runway 21. After flying for about 15 to 20 minutes he elected to return to the departure airport and flew over it to observe the windsock which indicated the wind seemed to favor runway 03. He entered the traffic pattern for runway 03, and while on approach for a full-stop landing, he perceived the groundspeed was, “a little fast.” He continued the approach and touched down 1/3 down the runway, but at touchdown perceived the groundspeed was, “real fast.” Because the airplane was tailwheel equipped he did not apply the brakes, and he added power to go-around reporting that the engine responded OK. The flight barely cleared powerlines ahead with marginal airspeed, and with tall trees ahead, the airplane stall/mushed into trees. Although a bucket truck came to rescue him from the tree, it was too short to reach him. He donned a harness and shimmied out of the tree and also reported he was not aware of any preimpact failure or malfunction with the airplane, engine, or engine systems. A postaccident inspection of the airplane following recovery revealed the carburetor heat remained on, the fuel selector was off, and the throttle was full forward. An aviation surface analysis report from Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport (EQY) at 1453, or about 23 minutes after the accident indicates in part that the wind was from 200 degrees at 5 knots. The EQY Airport is located about 13 nautical miles and 019 degrees from the accident airport.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 EDT
Nearest AirportUnity Aerodrome (0nm)
Runway03
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 140
Tail NumberN76688
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWiese Jerry W
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · C85-12 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 79 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59
Altimeter30.10 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data