# NTSB CHI91LA177: Cessna 140, N4090N, Depere, WI, May 31, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 31, 1991, 10:20 local (15:20 UTC)
- Place: Depere, WI
- Coordinates: 44.429313, -88.069038 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.4293&lon=-88.0690&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15083
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91LA177
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15083/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA177

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO CORRECT A MUSHED STALL DURING LIFTOFF.  A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO COMPENSATE FOR WIND CONDITIONS.

## 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
  - weather condition - tailwind
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lift-off - premature, pilot in command
  - stall/mush - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

A PRIVATE PILOT MADE A DOWNWIND TAKEOFF FROM A 2000 FOOT SOD STRIP AND CLIMBED TO TREETOP HEIGHT.  THE PILOT STATED THAT THE AIRPLANE WANTED TO ROLL OFF TO THE RIGHT AND HE HAD TO FIGHT WITH IT TO KEEP STRAIGHT AND LEVEL.  THE PASSENGER DESCRIBED THE WING DROPPING OFF ON ONE SIDE, THEN THE OTHER.  THE AIRPLANE MUSHED TO GROUND IMPACT 300 FEET BEYOND THE RUNWAY END.  NO MALFUNCTION OF THE AIRPLANE WAS REPORTED OR DISCOVERED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4090N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4090N-1994-08-24), registration cancelled 1994-08-24, S/N 13548 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 140
- Registry model: [Cessna 140](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-140) (registry code 2071602) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 13548
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12-F 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Paul And Brian Keehan
- Registered owner: Paul And Brian Keehan
- Airport: W178, Martins Aerodrome, runway 18, 2,000 ×  ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 496 total, 496 in this make and model, 496 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 40° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 700 ft overcast
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GRB, 10 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 19910531018659A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910531018659A), May 31, 1991: Cessna 140, Green Bay, WI, Destroyed. Took off with strong quartering tail wind. Lost control in turbulence. Wreckage indicates stall spin accident.

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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