NTSB investigations: Cessna 140, CA
173 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Cessna 140. Aircraft are matched to the registry by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model, so older matches can be wrong.
Cases per year
| 1964 | 16 |
|---|---|
| 1965 | 13 |
| 1966 | 12 |
| 1967 | 11 |
| 1968 | 13 |
| 1969 | 5 |
| 1970 | 7 |
| 1971 | 5 |
| 1972 | 8 |
| 1973 | 4 |
| 1974 | 12 |
| 1975 | 1 |
| 1976 | 1 |
| 1977 | 3 |
| 1978 | 3 |
| 1979 | 1 |
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 5 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 2 |
| 1990 | 3 |
| 1991 | 4 |
| 1992 | 2 |
| 1993 | 1 |
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2004 | 1 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
Where
Open the mapLatest cases
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT c.\"ntsbNumber\", c.\"eventDate\", c.\"eventType\", c.\"eventCity\", c.\"eventStateOrRegion\", a.n_number, a.\"aircraftMake\", a.\"aircraftModel\", c.\"highestInjuryLevel\", c.\"totalFatal\", c.\"completionStatus\", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c.\"mKey\" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c.\"eventStateOrRegion\" = 'CA' AND c.\"eventCountry\" = 'USA'
AND c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('2071602', '2071603'))
ORDER BY c.\"eventDate\" DESC, c.\"ntsbNumber\" DESC"Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."eventStateOrRegion" = 'CA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('2071602', '2071603'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESCRun it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB WPR25FA257Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna 140 · Shelter Cove, CAOn August 17, 2025 about 1521 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 140, N89447, was involved in an accident near Shelter Cove, California. The student pilot was fatally injured, and the passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14…NTSB WPR23LA021Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 140 · Georgetown, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain control during an attempted go-around, which resulted in a runway excursion and a separation of the right main landing gear.NTSB WPR20CA045Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 140 · Lancaster, CAThe student pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his use of excessive braking while taxiing.NTSB GAA19CA013Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 140 · Marina, CAThe pilot’s inadvertent application of the brakes, which resulted in a nose-over.NTSB WPR18LA246Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 140 · Tehachapi, CAThe pilot's inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power during the initial climb.NTSB GAA18CA455Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 140 · Healdsburg, CAThe pilot's improper brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose-over.NTSB WPR16LA139Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Salinas, CAThe fatigue failure of a bulkhead-skin joint that supported the main landing gear leg, which resulted in the collapse of the left main landing gear. Contributing to the failure were the non-original structural configuration of the 60-year-old airplane and the…NTSB WPR14CA197Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 140 · Vacaville, CAThe pilot's use of excessive brakes during landing, which resulted in a nose over. Contributing to the accident was a partial loss of engine power during takeoff initial climb, likely due to carburetor ice.NTSB WPR13CA033Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 140 · Watsonville, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during the landing roll.NTSB WPR10CA106Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 140 · Chico, CAThe pilot’s inadequate weather evaluation and failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering in low visibility conditions.NTSB SEA07CA054Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 140 · Murrieta, CAThe pilot's excessive application of brakes during taxi after landing, resulting in a nose over.NTSB SEA07CA047Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 140 · San Jose, CAThe pilot's excessive use of the airplane's wheel brakes, which resulted in a nose over during landing.NTSB LAX07LA081Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Van Nuys, CAFailure of the pilot under instruction to maintain directional control of the airplane and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision.NTSB LAX05LA163Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · New Cuyama, CAthe pilot's failure to properly use carburetor heat during conditions conducive to carburetor icing, which resulted in the loss of engine power. A factor in the accident was the unsuitable landing terrain.NTSB LAX04LA092Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Vacaville, CAthe pilot's failure to either obtain a preflight weather report and forecast for the destination or to add additional fuel, which ultimately resulted in fuel exhaustion and collision with trees.NTSB LAX03LA003Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Avalon, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude while maneuvering at low altitude. Factors were the pilot's fatigue and the distraction of trying to drop a message onto a boat.NTSB LAX01LA260Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · San Luis Obispo, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing that resulted in dragging the wing and nosing over.NTSB LAX01LA111Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · San Jose, CAThe failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during landing.NTSB LAX01LA064Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Bakersfield, CAThe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning, fuel management, and inadequate remedial actions, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. The pilot made an off-field landing and collided with a fence.NTSB LAX01LA044Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Sacramento, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control on landing rollout.NTSB LAX00LA228Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Hayfork, CAThe failure of the pilot under instruction to maintain directional control during the landing roll and the inadequate supervision of the flight instructor, which resulted in a collision with a runway light, overload failure of the wheel axle, and the airplane…NTSB LAX99LA076Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Burson, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering to avoid an obstacle immediately after takeoff. A factor in the accident was the pilot's inadequate examination of the off-airport takeoff area in order to identify potential hazards.NTSB LAX99LA067Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Santa Barbara, CAA loss of engine power due to an internal left magneto coil primary circuit short. Factors were insufficient altitude and inadequate terrain to make an emergency landing.NTSB LAX97LA273Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Pacoima, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during landing.NTSB LAX97LA223Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Columbia, CAthe student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during a bounced landing recovery.NTSB LAX97LA171Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Palo Alto, CAthe pilot's failure to obtain and/or maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain. A factor relating to the accident was: the degraded climb performance due to an…NTSB LAX97LA077Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Emigrant Gap, CAthe pilot's misjudgment of altitude/clearance while attempting a precautionary landing on a closed, snow covered runway.NTSB LAX96LA010Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Dixon, CAfuel starvation due to debris blocking the carburetor main jet.NTSB LAX94LA251Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Ramona, CAa failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane. A lack of total experience in tailwheel type airplanes was a factor in the accident.NTSB LAX94LA110Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Palo Alto, CAThe cfi's inproper supervision of the flight, the dual student's improper recovery from a bounced landing, and the dual student's improper use of the brakes. The cfi's lack of total instructional experience is a factor in this accident.NTSB LAX94LA094Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Warner Springs, CAa loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX93LA211Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Ramona, CAA jammed control yoke.NTSB LAX92LA364Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Reedley, CAThe failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the landing roll and his excessive use of the brakes.NTSB LAX92LA261Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Newhall, CAThe pilot's poor judgment and his overconfidence in his ability to fly his airplane.NTSB LAX91LA294Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Montague, CAThe failure of an exhaust valve in the engine.NTSB LAX91LA206Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Redding, CAThat the pilot failed to brief the passenger and the passengers intentional control interference.NTSB LAX91LA202Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Ojai, CAThe pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind condition. A factor related to the accident was the downdraft weather condition.NTSB LAX91LA168Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · El Mirage, CAThat the pilot made a poor inflight decision to practice the slow flight maneuver at a low altitude and that he failed to maintain airspeed.NTSB LAX90LA224Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Chico, CAThe pilot improperly leveled off, failed to correct the ensuing porpoise, took improper remedial action, and improperly used the rudder and normal brakes.NTSB LAX90LA163Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Paso Robles, CAThe pilot failed to maintain directional control.NTSB LAX90LA142Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Chico, CAFuel starvation due to unporting of the fuel pick up in the fuel tank selected for the takeoff.NTSB LAX90LA043Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Concord, CAImproper use of the brakes by the pilot. The crosswind and the pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment were contributing factors.NTSB LAX89LA198Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Placerville, CATotal failure of the landing gear tire. A major factor was the unsuitability of the terrain at the side of the runway.NTSB LAX89LA070Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Corona, CAThe aircraft was found abandoned at the airport. A witness reported that the aircraft had flipped over on runway 25. The sole occupant, a male, was not injured. The aircraft was moved by the occupant and several other unidentified people to a tiedown area on…NTSB LAX87LA323Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Gorman, CAA Cessna 140 nosed over during the landing roll after a precautionary landing to a paved access road. The plt indicated that the oil pressure and oil temp began to drop for unknown reasons while in cruise flt. The plt stated he was unable to determine the…NTSB LAX86LA310Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Oroville, CAA Cessna 140 nosed over in a ditch after aborting a takeoff. The plt indicated he was practicing stop and go landings. During the last landing the right brake was inadvertently applied and the acft veered to the right off the rwy. The plt initiated a…NTSB LAX86LA256Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Pacoima, CAThe plt lost control of the acft during landing. A witness stated that when the acft was about one-fourth of the way down the rwy, it began porpoising and then flipped over on its back.NTSB LAX86LA168Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Palo Alto, CAThe purpose of the dual instructional flight was for the instructor pilot to check out a private pilot in the conventional gear Cessna 140 aircraft. After a series of uneventful full stop & touch & go landings, the student was directed to land. The CFI & a…NTSB LAX86LA148Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Rio Linda, CAOn March 20, 1986, a Cessna 140 nosed over in mud after running off runway 17. VMC prevailed at the time. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the pilot and his passenger were not injured. The pilot stated he was too fast on his approach and ran off the…NTSB LAX86LA115Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Rancho Murieta, CAOn February 8, 1986 at 1530 PST a Cessna 140 landed hard and nosed over on the runway. VMC prevailed at the time. The pilot indicated that on landing he flared too high and landed hard. His feet slipped on the pedals and inadvertently applied the brakes which…