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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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February 28, 2022 · Cessna 140 · N72831

Kokomo, IN

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 28, 2022
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Kokomo, IN
Aircraft
Cessna 140 (1946)
Tail Number
N72831
Operator
Computer Systems Flight
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN22LA142

The pilot reported that after landing the tailwheel equipped airplane on the turf airstrip, local residents advised him of soft spots in the runway surface due to recently melted snow. The pilot said that he walked the areas and taxied on the taxiway and turf runway without any issues. He taxied to the end of the runway and prepared for takeoff, which included choosing a takeoff path that appeared dryer. About 450 ft into the takeoff roll, the airplane encountered a soft spot on the runway which slowed the airplane, raised the tail, and the airplane “jerked” to one side. The left wing struck the ground and the airplane then nosed over. When asked if any mechanical problems with the airplane existed prior to the accident the pilot replied that there were none and that the airplane just sunk into the soft turf during the takeoff. The airplane incurred substantial damage to the engine mount, right wing, and right wing strut.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s decision to perform the takeoff on the soft, wet, turf runway, with the tailwheel equipped airplane, which resulted in a nose-over.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that after landing the tailwheel equipped airplane on the turf airstrip, local residents advised him of soft spots in the runway surface due to recently melted snow. The pilot said that he walked the areas and taxied on the taxiway and turf runway without any issues. He taxied to the end of the runway and prepared for takeoff, which included choosing a takeoff path that appeared dryer. About 450 ft into the takeoff roll, the airplane encountered a soft spot on the runway which slowed the airplane, raised the tail, and the airplane “jerked” to one side. The left wing struck the ground and the airplane then nosed over. When asked if any mechanical problems with the airplane existed prior to the accident the pilot replied that there were none and that the airplane just sunk into the soft turf during the takeoff. The airplane incurred substantial damage to the engine mount, right wing, and right wing strut.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 EST
Nearest AirportGlenndale (0nm N)
Runway36
Runway Length2048 ft
Runway Width110 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 140
Tail NumberN72831
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorComputer Systems Flight
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C85 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 77 · Third Class · None
Crew 2None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind280° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 F / 28 F
Altimeter30.22 inHg
Observation Time18:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data