# NTSB BFO85LA043: Cessna 140, N2034V, Chesapeake, VA, May 6, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 6, 1985, 08:45 local (12:45 UTC)
- Place: Chesapeake, VA
- Coordinates: 36.799228, -76.419921 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.7992&lon=-76.4199&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11176
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO85LA043
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11176/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO85LA043

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - improper, dual student (cause)
  - aircraft handling - not maintained, dual student (cause)
  - supervision - improper, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff
  - object - tree(s)
  - maneuver - performed, pilot in command(cfi)
  - remedial action - delayed
- Main gear collapsed, other
  - landing gear,main gear - overload
- Nose over, other

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PLT WAS MAKING A TAKEOFF FROM RWY 20 WITH AN ESTIMATED 10 KT RIGHT X-WIND. AFTER ABOUT 800 FT OF GROUND RUN, THE ACFT LIFTED OFF AT APRX 65 MPH. AT AN ALT OF ABOUT 30 FT, THE ACFT BEGAN TO SETTLE IN A LEFT DRIFT AS IT FLEW ABEAM TREES ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RWY. AT THIS POINT, THE INSTRUCTOR TOOK CONTROL OF THE ACFT, BUT COULD NOT ARREST THE DRIFT OR SINK RATE. HE ELECTED TO TURN LEFT INTO A FIELD ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RWY TO AVOID TREES & A DITCH. THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN IN THE FIELD & THE RIGHT MAIN GEAR SEPARATED FROM THE FUSELAGE. THE ACFT THEN GROUND LOOPED TO THE RIGHT & CAME TO REST INVERTED AFTER SKIDDING ABOUT 50 FT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2034V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2034V-2013-04-30), registration cancelled 2013-04-30, S/N 14247, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 140
- Registry model: [Cessna 140](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-140) (registry code 2071602) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 14247
- Airframe hours: 2200
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12-F 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: David R. Stitzlein
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, November 1, 1984, 84 hours before
- Departed: W33
- Airport: W33, South Norfolk, runway 20, 2,575 × 80 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 812 total, 370 in this make and model, 676 as pilot in command, 59 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PHF, 25 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850506031239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850506031239A), May 6, 1985: Cessna 140, Chesapeake, VA, Substantial damage. Low takeoff speed and downdraft caused descent during takeoff. Landed in corn field, sheared off landing gear.

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.

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