On August 1, 1986, a Cessna 140 (registration N77326) operated by Peter R. Larsen was involved in an aviation accident near Oroville, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Cessna 140 nosed over in a ditch after aborting a takeoff. The pilot inadvertently applied the right brake during landing, veered off the runway, and later struck a fence before aborting.
Sequence of Events
The pilot of a Cessna 140 reported practicing stop and go landings. During the final landing, the right brake was inadvertently applied, causing the aircraft to veer to the right and depart the runway. The pilot initiated a go-around by applying full power. The takeoff ground run then took place on the right shoulder of the runway. The aircraft became airborne approximately midfield, and the pilot, cautious not to stall, leveled off to allow airspeed to build. While airborne, the pilot noticed a fence approximately 4 feet tall and judged that sufficient altitude existed to clear the obstacle. As the aircraft crossed the fence approximately 220 feet from the runway centerline, an unusual 'twang' noise was heard. The pilot assumed the aircraft had struck the fence and decided to abort the takeoff. Landing on the right shoulder of the runway, the aircraft during the landing ground roll plunged into a 10-foot-deep ditch and nosed over.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed barbed wire entangled on the tailwheel.