# NTSB MKC86LA038: Cessna 140, N3587V, Coy, AR, December 21, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 21, 1985, 15:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Coy, AR
- Coordinates: 34.539127, -91.870925 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.5391&lon=-91.8709&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): 34118
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC86LA038
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34118/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC86LA038

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - roll/run
  - ignition system,spark plug - bent (contributing factor)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - continued, pilot in command (cause)
  - ignition system,spark plug - contamination (contributing factor)
  - fluid,fuel grade - improper (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - abort - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTS THAT THE ENGINE OF N3587V WAS RUN AT IDLE FOR AN EXTENDED TIME BEFORE THE TAKEOFF WAS ATTEMPTED.AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES, THE ENGINE DIED. IT WAS RESTARTED AND THE TAKEOFF WAS COMMENCED IMMEDIATELY. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING ROUGH DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL BUT THE ROLL WAS CONTINUED. THE AIRCRAFT ACCELERATED TO NEAR TAKEOFF SPEED BUT WHEN LIFT OFF WAS ATTEMPTED THE AIRCRAFT WOULD NOT FLY. THE PILOT DECIDED TO ABORT AND DURING THE ABORT THE AIRCRAFT ENTERED SOFT TERRAIN BESIDE THE RUNWAY AND NOSED OVER. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT ALL SPARK PLUGS HAD CARBON DEPOSITS AND THE TOP PLUG ON ONE CYLINDER HAD A BENT GROUND ELECTRODE THAT WAS CONTACTING THE CENTER ELECTRODE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS OPERATING ON AUTO FUEL BUT WAS NOT MODIFIED FOR USE OF THE FUEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3587V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3587V), registered now, S/N 14855 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 140
- Registry model: [Cessna 140](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-140) (registry code 2071602) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 14855
- Airframe hours: 1714
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Walter C.Chaney
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, August 7, 1985, 28 hours before
- Airport: Bennett, runway 27, 1,700 ×  ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 108 total, 24 in this make and model, 88 as pilot in command, 25 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 41 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PBF, 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 19851221063269A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851221063269A), Dec 21, 1985: Cessna 140, Wright, AR, Substantial damage. Nosed over during aborted takeoff. Long idle time prior to takeoff, carbon on spark plugs. No STC for auto gas.

## Other investigations on N3587V (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 MKC78DER37](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC78DER37), Mar 31, 1978: Cessna 140 (N3587V), Windom, MN, substantial damage
- [NTSB MKC66F0342](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC66F0342), Dec 27, 1965: Cessna 140 (N3587V), Monticello, MN, substantial damage

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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