# NTSB FTW89LA164: Cessna 140A, N9687A, Austin, TX, September 11, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 10, 1989, 19:03 local (Sep 11, 1989, 00:03 UTC)
- Place: Austin, TX
- Coordinates: 30.380077, -97.950073 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.3801&lon=-97.9501&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 15, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22917
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW89LA164
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22917/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89LA164

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIDRCRAFT.  THE GUSTY CROSSWIND CONDITION WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PLT DECIDED TO MAKE A WHEEL LANDING ON RWY 34 IN WINDS THAT WERE FROM 025 DEGREES AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS. HE RPRTD THAT WHEN THE TAIL WHEEL TOUCHED DOWN, A GUST CAUGHT THE ACFT. HE THEN LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO REGAIN CONTROL, THE ACFT NOSED OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9687A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9687A), registered now, S/N 15408, built 1950 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 140A
- Registry model: [Cessna 140A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-140a) (registry code 2071604) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C90 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c90-series) (registry code 17009, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15408
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-90 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gin Air, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Departed: 3R3, AUSTIN, TX
- Destination: 3R9
- Airport: 3R9, Lakeway, runway 34, 4,000 × 70 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 148 total, 40 in this make and model, 65 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 40 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 70° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: AUS, 17 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 19890910063419A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890910063419A), Sep 10, 1989: Cessna 140A, Austin, TX, Substantial damage. Lost directional control on crosswind landing. Aircraft nosed over.

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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