# NTSB FTW95LA137: Cessna 140, N76981, Fentress, TX, March 13, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 13, 1995, 17:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Fentress, TX
- Coordinates: 29.749725, -97.779411 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.7497&lon=-97.7794&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 13, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19368
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA137
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19368/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA137

## Probable cause

THE SUDDEN MOVEMENT OF AN ANIMAL INTO THE PATH OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING TAKEOFF ROLL. FACTORS WERE THE INABILITY OF THE PILOT TO ESTABLISH A VISUAL LOOKOUT DOWN THE RUNWAY DUE TO THE RUNWAY'S 'CROWNED' MIDPOINT.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - animal(s) (cause)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - downhill (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING TAKEOFF FROM A PRIVATE AIRSTRIP, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A COW. THE PILOT HAD JUST LANDED TO THE NORTH AND TAXIED TO THE SOUTH END OF THE STRIP IN ORDER TO BOARD A PASSENGER. HE THEN PROCEEDED TO TAKEOFF TO THE NORTH. THE AIRSTRIP IS LOCATED ON A HILLSIDE WITH A PRONOUNCED 'CROWN' AT ITS MIDPOINT INHIBITING THE PILOT'S VIEW OF THE OTHER END.

## Factual narrative

On March 13, 1995, at 1730 central standard time, a Cessna 140, N76981, collided with a cow during takeoff from a private airstrip near Fentress, Texas.  The private pilot and one passenger were not injured.  No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the CFR Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that, he had just landed to the north and taxied to the south end of the strip where a passenger boarded the airplane for the short flight to San Marcos, Texas.  He further reported that the gravel strip is located on a hillside, with a pronounced crown at the midpoint which inhibits "being able to see the other end of the airstrip."

The pilot reported that during takeoff roll to the north, "a cow ran right out in front" of the airplane."  Unable to avoid impact, he decided to "jump the airplane over the cow."  The aircraft subsequently struck the animal, veered to the right, and came to rest in soft dirt on the side of the runway.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N76981](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N76981-2013-05-09), registration cancelled 2013-05-09, S/N 11427, 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: 11427
- Airframe hours: 2924
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Smith, Kenneth S. Jr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, November 6, 1994, 20 hours before
- Destination: T98, SAN MARCOS, TX
- Airport: NONE, Private Airstrip, runway 36, 2,000 × 60 ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 595 total, 181 in this make and model, 523 as pilot in command, 25 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19950313004769A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950313004769A), Mar 13, 1995: Cessna 140, Fentress, TX, Substantial damage. Collided with a cow on takeoff Private strip. Unable to timely see cow due to crown in runway.

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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