# NTSB CHI89LA093: Cessna 140, N4240N, Linden, MI, May 17, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 17, 1989, 15:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Linden, MI
- Coordinates: 42.810611, -83.780197 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.8106&lon=-83.7802&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 2, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14354
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI89LA093
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14354/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89LA093

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S POOR JUDGEMENT, POOR AIRCRAFT HANDLING, AND THE RESULTANT HARD TOUCHDOWN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - flare - improper, unqualified person (cause)
  - landing gear,tailwheel - overload
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - directional control - not maintained, unqualified person (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve

## Analysis

WHILE ON A LOCAL PLEASURE FLIGHT, THE NON-CERTIFICATED PILOT WAS OBSERVED TO MAKE A HARD LANDING ON A SOD RUNWAY. WHEN THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO A STOP, THE PILOT SHUT IT DOWN AND PERFORMED A WALK-AROUND INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT. THE PILOT WAS THEN OBSERVED TO RESTART THE AIRCRAFT AND TAKE OFF, RETURNING TO THE AIRCRAFT'S HOME BASE AIRPORT. WITNESSES REPORTED THAT THE AIRCRAFT'S 'TAIL WHEEL WAS VIBRATING ENOUGH TO SEE AND HEAR IT...THE PLANE (FLEW) COCKEYED.' THE AIRCRAFT SUSTAINED FURTHER DAMAGE WHEN IT GROUND-LOOPED UPON LANDING AT THE HOME BASE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4240N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4240N), registered now, S/N 13711, 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 C90 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c90-series) (registry code 17009, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 13711
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Anderson, Earl J.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 6, 1987
- Departed: 45G, BRIGHTON, MI
- Destination: 9G2, LINDEN, MI
- Airport: 9G2, Linden Prices Airport, runway 36, 2,600 × 90 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; seat: left; flight hours: 3,360 total, 20 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19890517012429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890517012429A), May 17, 1989: Cessna 140, Linden, MI, Destroyed. Bounced on landing twisting tail. Took off for home base and ground looped into trees. No license,annual nor medical

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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