Casualties unknown

1989-05-17: Cessna 140 (N4240N) — Linden, MI

Linden, MI, US

On May 17, 1989, a Cessna 140 (registration N4240N) was involved in an aviation accident near Linden, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S POOR JUDGEMENT, POOR AIRCRAFT HANDLING, AND THE RESULTANT HARD TOUCHDOWN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a pleasure flight, a non-certificated pilot made a hard landing, inspected the aircraft, then continued to another airport where a ground loop caused further damage.

Incident Overview

A non-certificated pilot was operating an aircraft on a local pleasure flight. According to witnesses, the pilot executed a hard landing on a sod runway. After the aircraft came to a stop, the pilot shut down the engine and performed a walk-around inspection of the aircraft. Subsequently, the pilot restarted the aircraft and took off, flying to the aircraft's home base airport.

Witness Observations

Witnesses at the home base reported that the aircraft's tail wheel was vibrating visibly and audibly. Additionally, they noted that the aircraft was flying "cockeyed," indicating an unusual attitude or alignment during the flight.

Final Landing and Damage

Upon landing at the home base airport, the aircraft ground-looped, which resulted in further damage to the airframe. No details regarding the extent of damage or any injuries were provided in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28273. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.