# NTSB SEA85LA006: Cessna 140A, N9661A, Las Vegas, NV, October 10, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 10, 1984, 11:40 local (18:40 UTC)
- Place: Las Vegas, NV
- Coordinates: 36.079853, -115.140075 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.0799&lon=-115.1401&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40077
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85LA006
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40077/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85LA006

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO THE PLT HE WAS UNABLE TO RAISE THE TAIL OF THE ACFT DURING THE TAKEOFF AND DIRECTIONAL CONTROL COULD NOT BE MAINTAINED. THE PLT MADE A HARD LANDING IN THE ACFT ON THE DAY BEFORE THE THE ACCIDENT. INVESTIGATORS DID NOT ANY FLIGHT CONTROL MALFUNCTIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - ground

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9661A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9661A), registered now, S/N 15561, 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 C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15501
- Airframe hours: 2865
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-90-12F 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Thomas Ingraham
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 4, 1984
- Departed: LAS, LAS VEGAS, NV
- Destination: SNA, SANTA ANA, CA
- Airport: Mc Carran, runway 19L, 9,777 ×  ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 141 total, 102 in this make and model, 86 as pilot in command, 37 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: LAS

## 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 19841010055329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841010055329A), Oct 10, 1984: Cessna 140A, Las Vegas, NV, Substantial damage. Pilot stated he was unable to raise tail during takeoff run. Ground looped.

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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