# NTSB ANC89LA136: Cessna 140, N1118D, Sparrevohn, AK, August 10, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 9, 1989, 19:15 local (Aug 10, 1989, 03:15 UTC)
- Place: Sparrevohn, AK
- Coordinates: 61.160037, -149.989868 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=61.1600&lon=-149.9899&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 29, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5236
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC89LA136
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5236/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89LA136

## Probable cause

PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAINED DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING TAKEOFF. THE MISJUDGED TERRAIN WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN THE EVENTUAL OUTCOME.

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING THE TAKEOFF GROUND RUN HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER ON TO ITS BACK ON THE GRAVEL BAR.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - loose gravel/sandy (contributing factor)
  - aircraft handling - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, takeoff - roll/run

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1118D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1118D-2012-05-24), registration cancelled 2012-05-24, S/N 15682, built 1950 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 140
- Registry model: [Cessna 140A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-140a) (registry code 2071604) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C90 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c90-series) (registry code 17009, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15682
- Airframe hours: 4705
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-90-14F 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Worrell, Sam
- Registered owner: Sam Worrell
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 28, 1989, 81 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 587 total, 251 in this make and model, 476 as pilot in command, 81 in the last 90 days, 51 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.