# NTSB CEN10CA174: Cessna 140, N2082N, Malta, OH, March 23, 2010 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: March 23, 2010, 18:00 local (22:00 UTC) - Place: Malta, OH - Coordinates: 39.687221, -82.006668 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.6872&lon=-82.0067&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff-rejected takeoff: Abrupt maneuver](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/270) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report July 1, 2010 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA-COLUMBUS-FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 75575 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN10CA174 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/75575/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=75575 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA174 ## Probable cause The pilot's decision to take off in conditions that exceeded the climb capability of the airplane. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface: wet surface](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023010): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on operation; cases with it: [Cessna 140, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023010/cases.md?model=2071602), [All aircraft, 141 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023010/cases.md) - [Wind: tailwind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034015): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation; cases with it: [Cessna 140, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034015/cases.md?model=2071602), [All aircraft, 594 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034015/cases.md) - [Aircraft capability: climb capability](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061010): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Capability exceeded (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 140, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061010/cases.md?model=2071602), [All aircraft, 183 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061010/cases.md) - [Landing gear system: brake](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023242): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Incorrect use/operation; cases with it: [Cessna 140, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023242/cases.md?model=2071602), [All aircraft, 297 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023242/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 140, 14 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=2071602), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff-rejected takeoff: Abrupt maneuver](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/270) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 140, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/270/sequence.md?model=2071602), [All aircraft, 346 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/270/sequence.md) - [Takeoff-rejected takeoff: Nose over/nose down](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096); cases with it: [Cessna 140, 49 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md?model=2071602), [All aircraft, 2,287 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot stated that he taxied both ways on the grass airstrip so that he could evaluate the condition of the "moist" grass and the winds prior to takeoff. He determined that a light, gusty crosswind existed and the slope of the terrain favored runway 24. The pilot performed a short/soft takeoff on runway 24 and the airplane lifted into ground effect at 45 mph. He stated that he did not notice the engine rpms, but the airplane did not seem to be accelerating. The pilot aborted the takeoff to avoid contacting trees at the end of the airstrip. He stated that upon landing he held full back pressure on the control yoke and applied the brakes. The airplane subsequently nosed over on the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. A wind sock was present on the airstrip. Just prior to the accident, the closest weather reporting station, 22 miles away, reported winds from 070 degrees at 4 knots. The winds reported 53 minutes after the accident were from 030 degrees at 10 knots. The gross weight of the airplane at the time of the accident was about 3.5 pounds under the maximum gross weight. The pilot purchased the airplane about 3 weeks prior to the accident. ## Factual narrative The pilot stated he taxied both ways on the grass airstrip so he could evaluate the condition of the "moist" grass and the winds prior to takeoff. He determined that a light, gusty crosswind existed and the slope of the terrain favored runway 24. The pilot performed a short/soft takeoff and the airplane lifted into ground effect at 45 mph. He stated he did not notice the engine rpms, but the airplane did seem to be accelerating. The pilot aborted the takeoff to avoid contacting trees at the end of the airstrip. He stated he held full back pressure on the control yoke and applied the brakes. The airplane subsequently nosed over resulting in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. A wind sock was present on the airstrip. Just prior to the accident, the closest weather reporting station, 22 miles away, reported winds from 070 degrees at 4 knots. The winds reported 53 minutes after the accident were from 030 degrees at 10 knots. The gross weight of the airplane at the time of the accident was about 3.5 pounds under the maximum gross weight. The pilot purchased the airplane about 3 weeks prior to the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2082N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2082N), registered now, S/N 12318, 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: 12318 - Airframe hours: 3756 - Engines: CONT MOTOR C-85-12-F 85 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Daniel P. Brewer - Registered owner: Daniel P. Brewer - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, March 19, 2010, 2 hours before - Departed: PVT, Malta, OH - Destination: I71, McConnelsville, OH - Airport: PVT, Pvt, runway 24, 1,900 × ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 39; injuries: fatal; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review October 21, 2009; seat: left; flight hours: 1,050 total, 12 in this make and model, 1,010 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 25 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 70° at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 36 °F - Altimeter: 29.85 inHg - Observed at: ZZV, 22 nm away ## Docket (1 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on April 6, 2010, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=75575. 957 KB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 957 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40327737&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF 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.