# Fatal NTSB investigations: Cessna 140

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 1 of 2 · 74 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR25FA257](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25FA257.md): Cessna 140 · Shelter Cove, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Aug 17, 2025 · N89447
  > On August 17, 2025 about 1521 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 140, N89447, was involved in an accident near Shelter Cove, California. The student pilot was fatally injured, and the passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14…
- [NTSB ERA22FA233](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA233.md): Cessna 140 · Wayne, NE · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 20, 2022 · N76075 · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack on final approach while conducting traditional short takeoff and landing operations in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin from which the pilot could not…
- [NTSB WPR21LA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA166.md): Cessna 140 · Williams, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 16, 2021 · N2506N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation shortly after takeoff in night visual meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB CEN19FA307](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA307.md): Cessna 140 · Lakeview, SD · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 8, 2019 · N73000 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack, an aerodynamic stall, and subsequent impact with terrain, and the student pilot’s non-compliance and lack of…
- [NTSB ERA18FA152](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA152.md): Cessna 140 · Daytona Beach, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 22, 2018 · N89864 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation during the initial climb, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed while turning back to the runway, which resulted in an exceedance of the…
- [NTSB CEN16FA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA054.md): Cessna 140 · Keytesville, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 7, 2015 · N90123 · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to operate in dark night conditions with low clouds, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's use of methamphetamine, which impaired his…
- [NTSB ERA14FA327](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA327.md): Cessna 140 · Parma, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 2014 · N76850 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to land with a quartering tailwind and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the severity of the pilot's injuries was the failure of the aluminum center safety belt bracket.
- [NTSB CHI08LA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08LA080.md): Cessna 140 · Grand Meadow, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 8, 2008 · N3537V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued visual flight into an area of known instrument meteorological conditions in an airplane not equipped for instrument flight, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB CHI03LA282](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA282.md): Cessna 140 · Edwardsburg, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 24, 2003 · N140GS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot not maintaining altitude/clearance from the power line during his low level cruise. Factors were the power transmission line, the lake, and low altitude flight.
- [NTSB CHI98FA299](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98FA299.md): Cessna 140 · St. Joseph, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 4, 1998 · N2364V · Destroyed
  > the pilot not maintaining a proper final approach glide path to avoid an encounter with wake turbulence. A factor in this accident was the pilot not being able to control the airplane after its encounter with wake turbulence.
- [NTSB SEA97LA182](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA182.md): Cessna 140 · Vancouver, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 4, 1997 · N2076N · Substantial damage
  > Aircraft control was not maintained. Continued operation with known deficiencies in equipment and movement restrictions to an exhaust valve were factors.
- [NTSB CHI97FA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97FA095.md): Cessna 140 · Big Lake, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 29, 1997 · N77166 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's maneuvers which exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane and resulted in structural overload of the horizontal tail followed by a structural overload of the wings.
- [NTSB CHI95LA291](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95LA291.md): Cessna 140 · Mio, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 21, 1995 · N76429 · Destroyed
  > the pilot's impairment of judgement and performance which led to performing a low altitude maneuver with insufficient altitude for recovery. A factor was the tailwind.
- [NTSB NYC95FA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC95FA162.md): Cessna 140 · Danielsville, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 18, 1995 · N72546 · Destroyed
  > The flight crew's improper in-flight planning/decision, and failure to maintain adequate clearance (or altitude) from mountainous terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, fog, low clouds, and the high terrain.
- [NTSB ATL94LA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL94LA067.md): Cessna 140 · Celina, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 23, 1994 · N76342 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain a proper altitude, and his failure to maintain clearance from the transmission wire.
- [NTSB NYC93LA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC93LA072.md): Cessna 140 · Doylestown, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 7, 1993 · N46TM · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the pilot passenger to maintain adequate airspeed and the failure of the pilot in command to adequately supervise the flight.
- [NTSB FTW93FA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW93FA080.md): Cessna 140 · Jefferson, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 7, 1993 · N76970 · Destroyed
  > Inadvertent stall. A factor was the pilot's performance of aerobatics at low altitude
- [NTSB ATL92FA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL92FA040.md): Cessna 140 · Columbia, SC · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 16, 1992 · N1976N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot-in-command's failure to assure that an adequate supply of fuel was on board the airplane for the intended flight, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the forced landing resulting in a stall/spin. A factor contributing to the…
- [NTSB SEA91FA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91FA039.md): Cessna 140 · Port Orchard, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 3, 1991 · N77179 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to initiate an aborted takeoff at a time that left adequate runway remaining to bring the aircraft to a stop.
- [NTSB MKC86FA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC86FA123.md): Cessna 140 · Des Arc, AR · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 1, 1986 · N89247 · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > Numerous witnesses on a sandbar in the white river observed this collision of two airplanes as they were flying close together, low, over the river. Of the nine witness statements received, five had the Piper PA-28-140 hitting the Cessna 140, three had the…
- [NTSB FTW85FA245](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85FA245.md): Cessna 140 · Tioga, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 4, 1985 · N3180N · Destroyed
  > Witnesses observed the acft apchg from the northwest at an estimated alt of about 100 ft AGL. As it passed their position, the plt rolled into a steep (90 deg) right bank, then roll back out. The witnesses reported that after the acft rolled out of the bank,…
- [NTSB ATL85FA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85FA140.md): Cessna 140 · Hawesville, KY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 19, 1985 · N72587 · Destroyed
  > The acft collided with and sunk into the Ohio river following a wing separation after contacting the lowest wire in a set of 3 power lines which spanned the river. Two other wires were located above the set of 3 power lines. Witnesses on and near the river…
- [NTSB LAX85FA198](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85FA198.md): Cessna 140 · Petaluma, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 11, 1985 · N140MC · Destroyed
  > The ATP plt initiated a short x-country flt at night in an acft with no attitude gyro instruments. Just before the acft crashed, witnesses heard the acft. They reported that the eng sounded like the plt was doing stunts or sharp turns. They said they could…
- [NTSB SEA83FA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA83FA058.md): Cessna 140 · Moses Lake, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 3, 1983 · N89050 · Destroyed
  > The flight originated at the pilots private farm strip. The pilot stated that during the flight the engine 'sputtered and died'. During a power off landing attempt the passenger grabbed the controls according to the pilot. The pilot said he fought for control…
- [NTSB LAX82FA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82FA218.md): Cessna 150L · Corona, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 1982 · N18007 · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > Both aircraft (a Cessna 150L, N18007 and a Cessna 140, N90006) had taken off from the Corona municipal airport, sometime around noon on 6/12/82. The Cessna 150 pilot and passenger were on a flight to porterville, CA, while the Cessna 140 pilot and passenger…
- [NTSB MIA80FA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA80FA038.md): Cessna 140 · Homestead, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Feb 25, 1980 · N76663 · Destroyed
- [NTSB FTW79DA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW79DA093.md): Cessna 140 · Basile, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Jul 6, 1979 · N1607V · Destroyed
- [NTSB CHI79FA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI79FA054.md): Cessna 140 · Springbrook, WI · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Jul 1, 1979 · N1972J · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC78FA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC78FA043.md): Cessna 140 · Wolbach, NE · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · May 31, 1978 · N76011 · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX78FA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX78FA038-107181.md): Cessna 140 · Buckeye, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Mar 27, 1978 · N90119 · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX77FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX77FA023.md): Cessna 140 · Riverside, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Jan 12, 1977 · N2155V · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC76AK066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC76AK066.md): Cessna 140 · Lake Mills, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Jul 10, 1976 · N89103 · Destroyed
- [NTSB IAD75AI017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD75AI017.md): Cessna 140 · Greensboro, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Sep 28, 1974 · N77339 · Destroyed
- [NTSB DEN75AD012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN75AD012.md): Cessna 140 · Virginia Dle, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Sep 12, 1974 · N72537 · Destroyed
- [NTSB FTW74AF087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW74AF087.md): Cessna 140 · Sand Springs, OK · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · May 27, 1974 · N76819 · Destroyed
- [NTSB OAK74AP038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK74AP038.md): Cessna 140 · Calistoga, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Feb 5, 1974 · N72299 · Destroyed
- [NTSB DEN74AD013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN74AD013.md): Cessna 140 · Divide, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Oct 2, 1973 · N89304 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB CHI73AC042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI73AC042.md): Cessna 140 · Gilmore, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Oct 18, 1972 · N89593 · Destroyed
- [NTSB NYC73ANO61](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC73ANO61.md): Cessna 140 · Gaffney, SC · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Sep 17, 1972 · N2218N · Destroyed
- [NTSB FTW72AF047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW72AF047.md): Cessna 140 · Freeport, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Jan 23, 1972 · N75J · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX71AL065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX71AL065.md): Cessna 140 · Phoenix, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · May 4, 1971 · N89482 · Destroyed
- [NTSB CHI71AC045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI71AC045.md): Cessna 140 · Vergennes, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Dec 19, 1970 · N2035N · Substantial damage
- [NTSB MKC70AK061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC70AK061.md): Cessna 140 · Waldron, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · May 16, 1970 · N89874 · Destroyed
- [NTSB SEA79FA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA79FA059.md): Cessna 140 · Lester, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Nov 2, 1969 · N2050N · Destroyed
- [NTSB NYC70A0047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC70A0047.md): Cessna 140 · Middleport, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Oct 26, 1969 · N2389V · Substantial damage
- [NTSB MKC70A0014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC70A0014.md): Cessna 140 · Hartley, IA · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Oct 1, 1969 · N1984V · Destroyed
- [NTSB SEA70A0010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA70A0010.md): Cessna 140 · Newport, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Aug 14, 1969 · N2225N · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX69A0067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX69A0067.md): Cessna 140 · Temecula, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · May 13, 1969 · N1950N · Destroyed
- [NTSB SEA69A0018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA69A0018.md): Cessna 140 · Snoqualmie P, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Sep 1, 1968 · N76588 · Destroyed
- [NTSB SEA69A0014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA69A0014.md): Cessna 140 · Busby, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Aug 23, 1968 · N2278V · Destroyed

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=2071602&fatal=1&page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('2071602', '2071603'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?fatal=1&model=2071602

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