# NTSB investigations: Cessna 140, CA

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 4 · 173 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 WPR23LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA021.md): Cessna 140 · Georgetown, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 20, 2022 · N55DC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control during an attempted go-around, which resulted in a runway excursion and a separation of the right main landing gear.
- [NTSB WPR20CA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20CA045.md): Cessna 140 · Lancaster, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 16, 2019 · N4098N · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his use of excessive braking while taxiing.
- [NTSB GAA19CA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA013.md): Cessna 140 · Marina, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 10, 2018 · N89266 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadvertent application of the brakes, which resulted in a nose-over.
- [NTSB WPR18LA246](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA246.md): Cessna 140 · Tehachapi, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 31, 2018 · N2167V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power during the initial climb.
- [NTSB GAA18CA455](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA455.md): Cessna 140 · Healdsburg, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 26, 2018 · N1902V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose-over.
- [NTSB WPR16LA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA139.md): Cessna 140 · Salinas, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2016 · N89965 · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue failure of a bulkhead-skin joint that supported the main landing gear leg, which resulted in the collapse of the left main landing gear. Contributing to the failure were the non-original structural configuration of the 60-year-old airplane and the…
- [NTSB WPR14CA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA197.md): Cessna 140 · Vacaville, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 21, 2014 · N2256N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's use of excessive brakes during landing, which resulted in a nose over. Contributing to the accident was a partial loss of engine power during takeoff initial climb, likely due to carburetor ice.
- [NTSB WPR13CA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA033.md): Cessna 140 · Watsonville, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 2, 2012 · N77227 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during the landing roll.
- [NTSB WPR10CA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA106.md): Cessna 140 · Chico, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 9, 2010 · N3160N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate weather evaluation and failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering in low visibility conditions.
- [NTSB SEA07CA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07CA054.md): Cessna 140 · Murrieta, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 23, 2007 · N2006V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's excessive application of brakes during taxi after landing, resulting in a nose over.
- [NTSB SEA07CA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07CA047.md): Cessna 140 · San Jose, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 14, 2007 · N18WB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's excessive use of the airplane's wheel brakes, which resulted in a nose over during landing.
- [NTSB LAX07LA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07LA081.md): Cessna 140 · Van Nuys, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 30, 2006 · N9198Z · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the pilot under instruction to maintain directional control of the airplane and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision.
- [NTSB LAX05LA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05LA163.md): Cessna 140 · New Cuyama, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 8, 2005 · N89671 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to properly use carburetor heat during conditions conducive to carburetor icing, which resulted in the loss of engine power. A factor in the accident was the unsuitable landing terrain.
- [NTSB LAX04LA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA092.md): Cessna 140 · Vacaville, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 12, 2004 · N77S · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to either obtain a preflight weather report and forecast for the destination or to add additional fuel, which ultimately resulted in fuel exhaustion and collision with trees.
- [NTSB LAX03LA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA003.md): Cessna 140 · Avalon, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 7, 2002 · N90168 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude while maneuvering at low altitude. Factors were the pilot's fatigue and the distraction of trying to drop a message onto a boat.
- [NTSB LAX01LA260](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA260.md): Cessna 140 · San Luis Obispo, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 2001 · N2903N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing that resulted in dragging the wing and nosing over.
- [NTSB LAX01LA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA111.md): Cessna 140 · San Jose, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 8, 2001 · N77J · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during landing.
- [NTSB LAX01LA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA064.md): Cessna 140 · Bakersfield, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 23, 2000 · N72970 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning, fuel management, and inadequate remedial actions, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. The pilot made an off-field landing and collided with a fence.
- [NTSB LAX01LA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA044.md): Cessna 140 · Sacramento, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 17, 2000 · N2154V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control on landing rollout.
- [NTSB LAX00LA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00LA228.md): Cessna 140 · Hayfork, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 2000 · N2688N · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot under instruction to maintain directional control during the landing roll and the inadequate supervision of the flight instructor, which resulted in a collision with a runway light, overload failure of the wheel axle, and the airplane…
- [NTSB LAX99LA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA076.md): Cessna 140 · Burson, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 17, 1999 · N89513 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering to avoid an obstacle immediately after takeoff. A factor in the accident was the pilot's inadequate examination of the off-airport takeoff area in order to identify potential hazards.
- [NTSB LAX99LA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA067.md): Cessna 140 · Santa Barbara, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 4, 1999 · N3585V · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to an internal left magneto coil primary circuit short. Factors were insufficient altitude and inadequate terrain to make an emergency landing.
- [NTSB LAX97LA273](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA273.md): Cessna 140 · Pacoima, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 1997 · N76102 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during landing.
- [NTSB LAX97LA223](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA223.md): Cessna 140 · Columbia, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 25, 1997 · N4293N · Substantial damage
  > the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during a bounced landing recovery.
- [NTSB LAX97LA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA171.md): Cessna 140 · Palo Alto, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 30, 1997 · N2031N · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to obtain and/or maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain. A factor relating to the accident was: the degraded climb performance due to an…
- [NTSB LAX97LA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA077.md): Cessna 140 · Emigrant Gap, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 25, 1996 · N76857 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's misjudgment of altitude/clearance while attempting a precautionary landing on a closed, snow covered runway.
- [NTSB LAX96LA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA010.md): Cessna 140 · Dixon, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 14, 1995 · N1782V · Substantial damage
  > fuel starvation due to debris blocking the carburetor main jet.
- [NTSB LAX94LA251](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA251.md): Cessna 140 · Ramona, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 11, 1994 · N2927N · Substantial damage
  > a failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane. A lack of total experience in tailwheel type airplanes was a factor in the accident.
- [NTSB LAX94LA110](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA110.md): Cessna 140 · Palo Alto, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 31, 1994 · N2396V · Substantial damage
  > The cfi's inproper supervision of the flight, the dual student's improper recovery from a bounced landing, and the dual student's improper use of the brakes. The cfi's lack of total instructional experience is a factor in this accident.
- [NTSB LAX94LA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA094.md): Cessna 140 · Warner Springs, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 14, 1994 · N140KT · Substantial damage
  > a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB LAX93LA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA211.md): Cessna 140 · Ramona, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 6, 1993 · N76194 · Substantial damage
  > A jammed control yoke.
- [NTSB LAX92LA364](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA364.md): Cessna 140 · Reedley, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 26, 1992 · N72172 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the landing roll and his excessive use of the brakes.
- [NTSB LAX92LA261](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA261.md): Cessna 140 · Newhall, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 24, 1992 · N76962 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's poor judgment and his overconfidence in his ability to fly his airplane.
- [NTSB LAX91LA294](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA294.md): Cessna 140 · Montague, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 7, 1991 · N3160N · Substantial damage
  > The failure of an exhaust valve in the engine.
- [NTSB LAX91LA206](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA206.md): Cessna 140 · Redding, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 8, 1991 · N140ED · Substantial damage
  > That the pilot failed to brief the passenger and the passengers intentional control interference.
- [NTSB LAX91LA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA202.md): Cessna 140 · Ojai, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 7, 1991 · N89828 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind condition. A factor related to the accident was the downdraft weather condition.
- [NTSB LAX91LA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA168.md): Cessna 140 · El Mirage, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 9, 1991 · N89572 · Substantial damage
  > That the pilot made a poor inflight decision to practice the slow flight maneuver at a low altitude and that he failed to maintain airspeed.
- [NTSB LAX90LA224](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA224.md): Cessna 140 · Chico, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 21, 1990 · N72122 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot improperly leveled off, failed to correct the ensuing porpoise, took improper remedial action, and improperly used the rudder and normal brakes.
- [NTSB LAX90LA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA163.md): Cessna 140 · Paso Robles, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 3, 1990 · N2662N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot failed to maintain directional control.
- [NTSB LAX90LA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA142.md): Cessna 140 · Chico, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 10, 1990 · N76918 · Substantial damage
  > Fuel starvation due to unporting of the fuel pick up in the fuel tank selected for the takeoff.
- [NTSB LAX90LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA043.md): Cessna 140 · Concord, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 2, 1989 · N2065N · Substantial damage
  > Improper use of the brakes by the pilot. The crosswind and the pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment were contributing factors.
- [NTSB LAX89LA198](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA198.md): Cessna 140 · Placerville, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 19, 1989 · N76675 · Substantial damage
  > Total failure of the landing gear tire. A major factor was the unsuitability of the terrain at the side of the runway.
- [NTSB LAX89LA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA070.md): Cessna 140 · Corona, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 26, 1988 · N89891 · Substantial damage
  > The aircraft was found abandoned at the airport. A witness reported that the aircraft had flipped over on runway 25. The sole occupant, a male, was not injured. The aircraft was moved by the occupant and several other unidentified people to a tiedown area on…
- [NTSB LAX87LA323](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA323.md): Cessna 140 · Gorman, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 3, 1987 · N224MK · Substantial damage
  > A Cessna 140 nosed over during the landing roll after a precautionary landing to a paved access road. The plt indicated that the oil pressure and oil temp began to drop for unknown reasons while in cruise flt. The plt stated he was unable to determine the…
- [NTSB LAX86LA310](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA310.md): Cessna 140 · Oroville, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 1, 1986 · N77326 · Substantial damage
  > A Cessna 140 nosed over in a ditch after aborting a takeoff. The plt indicated he was practicing stop and go landings. During the last landing the right brake was inadvertently applied and the acft veered to the right off the rwy. The plt initiated a…
- [NTSB LAX86LA256](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA256.md): Cessna 140 · Pacoima, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 1986 · N89403 · Substantial damage
  > The plt lost control of the acft during landing. A witness stated that when the acft was about one-fourth of the way down the rwy, it began porpoising and then flipped over on its back.
- [NTSB LAX86LA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA168.md): Cessna 140 · Palo Alto, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 5, 1986 · N89374 · Substantial damage
  > The purpose of the dual instructional flight was for the instructor pilot to check out a private pilot in the conventional gear Cessna 140 aircraft. After a series of uneventful full stop & touch & go landings, the student was directed to land. The CFI & a…
- [NTSB LAX86LA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA148.md): Cessna 140 · Rio Linda, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 20, 1986 · N89698 · Substantial damage
  > On March 20, 1986, a Cessna 140 nosed over in mud after running off runway 17. VMC prevailed at the time. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the pilot and his passenger were not injured. The pilot stated he was too fast on his approach and ran off the…
- [NTSB LAX86LA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA115.md): Cessna 140 · Rancho Murieta, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 8, 1986 · N89447 · Substantial damage
  > On February 8, 1986 at 1530 PST a Cessna 140 landed hard and nosed over on the runway. VMC prevailed at the time. The pilot indicated that on landing he flared too high and landed hard. His feet slipped on the pedals and inadvertently applied the brakes which…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=2071602&state=CA&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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'CA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  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?model=2071602&state=CA

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