# NTSB FTW01LA150: Cessna 140, N73004, Winnsboro, TX, June 21, 2001 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 21, 2001, 08:13 local (13:13 UTC) - Place: Winnsboro, TX - Coordinates: 32.950511, -95.279296 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.9505&lon=-95.2793&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report November 14, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA FSDO, Teledyne Continental Motors - NTSB case key (mKey): 52544 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW01LA150 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/52544/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW01LA150 ## Probable cause the loss of engine power during takeoff climb for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the ensuing forced landing. ## 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 - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff - In flight collision with object, emergency landing after takeoff - object - tree(s) - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot had completed one takeoff and landing, and he conducted a preflight engine run up prior to the second takeoff. While the airplane was climbing through 875 feet msl, the "engine missed." The pilot applied carburetor heat and turned back toward the runway. The engine power "steadily decreased and the engine ultimately stopped." The pilot added that there "was no satisfactory place for an emergency landing" and that there was a clump of trees between the airplane and the runway. The airplane struck the trees, and subsequently, impacted the ground. An FAA inspector and a representative of the engine manufacturer examined the engine and found no anomalies that would have prevented its operation. ## Factual narrative On June 21, 2001, at 0813 central daylight time, a Cessna 140 single-engine airplane, N73004, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during takeoff climb from the Winnsboro Municipal Airport, Winnsboro, Texas. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight originated approximately 20 minutes prior to the accident. The pilot reported in a written statement that he had taken off from runway 01, completed one traffic pattern, and landed. He added that he back taxied on the runway, conducted a preflight run up, and took off a second time. While the airplane was climbing through 875 feet msl, the "engine missed." The pilot applied carburetor heat and turned back toward the runway. The engine power "steadily decreased and the engine ultimately stopped." The pilot added that there "was no satisfactory place for an emergency landing" and that there was a clump of trees between the airplane and the airport. The airplane struck the trees, and subsequently, impacted the ground. According to the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, four witnesses located near the departure end of the runway heard the engine "stop." The airplane turned 180 degrees and headed toward the runway. As the airplane descended, it impacted trees approximately 500 feet from the runway. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the ground approximately 200 feet from the trees and skidded to a stop upright. The airplane's fuselage and wings sustained structural damage. On June 22, 2001, the FAA inspector and a representative of the engine manufacturer examined the wreckage. They stated that the propeller remained undamaged, and the carburetor was separated from its mount. Crankshaft continuity was verified from the propeller to the accessory case, and compression was obtained on all four cylinders. The magnetos were rotated manually and a spark was produced in all terminals. The carburetor was disassembled and no anomalies were noted. Fuel was noted in the lines leading to the carburetor. No anomalies were noted that would have prevented engine operation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N73004](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N73004-2004-03-31), registration cancelled 2004-03-31, S/N 10209, 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: 10209 - Airframe hours: 1428 - Engines: Continental C-85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: David C. Murley - Registered owner: Stephen L. Murley - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, May 27, 2001 - Departed: F51, Winnsboro, TX - Airport: F51, Winnsboro Municipal, runway 01, 3,213 × 50 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 69; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review October 27, 1999; seat: left; flight hours: 1,404 total, 1 in this make and model, 1 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 220° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 73 °F - Altimeter: 30.12 inHg - Observed at: TYR, 42 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 20010621019109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010621019109A), Jun 21, 2001: Cessna 140, Winnsboro, TX, No damage. (-23) On June 21, 2001, at 08:13 CDT Cessna 140, single engine airplane, N73004, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and terrain during a forced… 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.