# NTSB CHI03LA253: Cessna 140, N72971, Morrilton, AR, August 10, 2003 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 10, 2003, 18:00 local (23:00 UTC) - Place: Morrilton, AR - Coordinates: 35.136112, -92.713607 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1361&lon=-92.7136&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 1, 2004 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 57692 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI03LA253 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/57692/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA253 ## Probable cause The deterioration of the fuel line resulting in fuel contamination and the loss of engine power. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb - fuel system,line - deteriorated (cause) - fluid,fuel - contamination,other than water (cause) - Forced landing, descent - emergency - In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency landing after takeoff - terrain condition - ground (contributing factor) - On ground/water collision with object, emergency landing after takeoff - object - tree(s) ## Analysis The airplane was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power during initial climb. The pilot executed the landing on a field at the departure end of the runway where he hit a mound and a tree. The pilot described the field as bad. Inspection of the airplane revealed that the airplane fuel system was contaminated with the airplane's fuel hose material. The airplane was last fueled approximately one month prior to the accident. ## Factual narrative On August 10, 2003, at 1800 central daylight time, a Cessna 140 single-engine airplane, N72971, registered to and operated by a private-rated pilot, was substantially damaged during a forced landing at Morrilton Municipal Airport (BDQ), Morrilton, Arkansas. The airplane experienced a complete loss of engine power during initial climb from runway 09. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot reported minor injuries. The flight originated from BDQ at 1712. The pilot reported that he performed a pre-flight of the airplane prior to departing to the north of BDQ to practice maneuvers. He then returned to BDQ where he performed a touch and go on runway 09 (4,000 feet by 50 feet, asphalt). He then remained in the traffic pattern to perform another takeoff and landing after which the engine experienced a total loss of engine power during initial climb. He reported that after the power loss, he leveled off approximately 50 feet above ground level and switched fuel tanks. The engine restarted, but lost power for a second time. He landed straight ahead, hitting a mound and then a tree. The airplane came to rest about 200 -300 yards west of the departure end of runway 09 on a field described by the pilot as "bad." The pilot then exited the airplane, got in his automobile, and left the accident site. Inspection of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed black particles consistent with the airplane's rubber fuel hose material within the fuel system. The airplane was last fueled approximately a month prior to the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N72971](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N72971), registered now, S/N 10172, built 1946 (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: 10172 - Airframe hours: 2267 - Engines: Continental C-85-12F 85 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: James L. Prior - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, July 9, 2003, 2 hours before - Departed: BDQ, Morrilton, AR - Destination: BDQ, Morrilton, AR - Airport: BDQ, Morrilton Muni, runway 090, 4,000 × 50 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 71; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review April 12, 2003; seat: left; flight hours: 2,287 total, 240 in this make and model, 1,200 as pilot in command, 250 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk - Wind: 160° at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 66 °F - Altimeter: 29.97 inHg - Observed at: RUE, 20 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 20030810023459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20030810023459A), Aug 10, 2003: Cessna 140, Morrilton, AR, Substantial damage. (-23) On August 10, 2003, at 1800 CDT, N72971, a Cessna model 140, registered to and operated by the private-rated pilot incurred substantial damage during a… 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.