What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1985-12-07 involved a Cessna 140, registration N4155N, operated by Ned Bemenderfer, at Rochester, IN.

Cowl Unlatching Leads to Runway Excursion and Aircraft Overturn (N4155N)

On December 7, 1985, a Cessna 140 (registration N4155N) operated by Ned Bemenderfer was involved in an aviation accident near Rochester, IN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Shortly after takeoff, at approximately ten feet altitude, the right cowl became unlatched, blocking the pilot's forward view and causing control difficulties. The pilot aborted the takeoff, ran off the runway, hit a snowbank, and the aircraft flipped onto its back. The pilot reported that the cowl latches appeared functional before and after the event.

Event Description

During the initial climb after takeoff, when the aircraft reached an estimated altitude of ten feet, the right side of the engine cowling became unlatched. The cowling was then whipped upward into the airstream. This obstructed the pilot's forward visibility and introduced some control challenges.

Aborted Takeoff

In response, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff. During the subsequent landing rollout, the aircraft departed the runway surface.

Impact and Overturn

The aircraft subsequently struck a snowbank, causing it to flip over onto its back.

Post-Accident Observations

According to the pilot, the cowl latches appeared to be functioning properly both before and after the accident.

1985-12-07: Cessna 140 (N4155N) — Ned Bemenderfer — Rochester, IN