# NTSB LAX91LA206: Cessna 140, N140ED, Redding, CA, May 8, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 7, 1991, 17:00 local (May 8, 1991, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Redding, CA
- Coordinates: 40.520606, -122.31977 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.5206&lon=-122.3198&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 27, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27202
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA206
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27202/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA206

## Probable cause

THAT THE PILOT FAILED TO BRIEF THE PASSENGER AND THE PASSENGERS INTENTIONAL CONTROL INTERFERENCE.

## 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
  - passenger briefing - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - control interference - intentional, passenger (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE FLIGHT DEPARTED THE SHORT GRASS FIELD.  INITIALLY THE CLIMB RATE WAS SATISFACTORY AND THE OBSTACLES HAD BEEN CLEARED.  THE PILOT WAS LOWERING THE NOSE TO INCREASE AIRSPEED WHEN THE 13 YEAR OLD PASSENGER THOUGHT THE PILOT NEEDED HELP AND GRABBED THE CONTROL WHEEL AND PULLED IT ALL THE WAY BACK.  THE AIRPLANE STALLED AND CRASHED INTO THE TREES. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE FAILED TO BRIEF THE PASSENGER NOT TO TOUCH THE FLIGHT CONTROLS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N140ED](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N140ED), registered now, S/N 11148, 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: 11148
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-90 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Randy L. Thompson
- Registered owner: Randy L. Thompson
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 840 total, 475 in this make and model, 780 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 5 knots, gusting 5
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F

## 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 19910507014359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910507014359A), May 7, 1991: Cessna 140, Redding, CA, Substantial damage. Stalled into trees on climbout. 13 year old passenger reportedly tried to aid pilots shallow climb by full aft yoke

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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