# NTSB NYC86LA091: Cessna 140, N2643N, Newburyport, MA, March 20, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 20, 1986, 15:40 local (20:40 UTC)
- Place: Newburyport, MA
- Location: 42.8123° N, 70.8866° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Newburyport, MA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.8123&lon=-70.8866&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30314
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC86LA091
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30314/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86LA091

## Sequence of events

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

- Nose over, taxi - to takeoff
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - wet (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

WHILE TAXIING ON A GRASS TAXIWAY, THE ACFT CONTACTED A SOFT SPOT IN THE GRASS AND NOSED OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2643N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2643N-2012-09-21), registration cancelled 2012-09-21, S/N 12901, built 1947 (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: 12901
- Airframe hours: 5195
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-90 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Steven D.Lebel
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 14, 1985
- Airport: Plum Island

## 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: 212 total, 7 in this make and model, 204 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 315° at 15 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft overcast

## 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 19860320007359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860320007359A), Mar 20, 1986: Cessna 140, Newburyport, MA, Substantial damage. Bogged nose down after encountering a soft spot in sod during taxi. Wind got under tail and aircraft flipped over.

## Other investigations on N2643N (1)

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 MIA71FLD20](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA71FLD20), Sep 26, 1970: Cessna 140 (N2643N), Eustis, FL, 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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