# NTSB FTW83LA403: Cessna 140, N3625V, Hitchcock, TX, August 29, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 29, 1983, 16:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Hitchcock, TX
- Coordinates: 29.309652, -95.00901 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.3097&lon=-95.0090&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21034
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA403
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21034/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA403

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - weather condition - temperature extremes (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT NOSED OVER DURING TAKEOFF. THE FLT SAID THAT THE RWY WAS 50 FT WIDE BUT HAD BEEN MOWED ONLY TO A WIDTH OF 20 FTTHE PLT ALLOWED THE ACFT TO DRIFT INTO THE HIGH GRASS ALONGSIDE THE RWY. THE ACFT CONTINUED OFF THE RWY AND NOSED OVER IN TAIL GRASS. ACCORDING TO CHARTS THE RWY IS 100 FT WIDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3625V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3625V-2018-05-30), registration cancelled 2018-05-30, S/N 14896, built 1948 (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: 14896
- Airframe hours: 3500
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Donald C. Ricketson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 15, 1982
- Airport: 37R, Johnie Volk, runway 16, 3,300 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 890 total, 454 in this make and model, 829 as pilot in command, 14 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 75 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GLS

## 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 19830829045079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830829045079A), Aug 29, 1983: Cessna 140, Hitchcock, TX, Substantial damage. Tried to depart a narrow mowed area of a grass runway. A wheel caught in tall grass. Aircraft flipped over.

## Other investigations on N3625V (2)

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.

- [NTSB WPR16LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA068), Feb 13, 2016: Cessna 140 (N3625V), Independence, OR, substantial damage. Probable cause: The failure of the left main landing gear wheel axle due to a fatigue crack.
- [NTSB MIA95LA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA95LA113), Apr 14, 1995: Cessna 140 (N3625V), Foxworth, MS, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S SELECTION OF AN UNUITABLE LANDING STRIP FOR LANDING.

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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