On April 7, 1993, a Cessna 140 (registration N46TM) operated by Richard E. Farley was involved in an aviation accident near Doylestown, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT PASSENGER TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED AND THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO ADEQUATELY SUPERVISE THE FLIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane performing a touch-and-go entered a descending right turn during climbout at about 300 feet and struck the ground. Post-accident inspection revealed a stuck tachometer and chordwise scratches on one propeller blade, with no engine or airframe defects found.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft was observed conducting a touch-and-go landing. During the subsequent climbout, at an altitude of approximately 300 feet, the airplane was seen to enter a descending right turn. It then impacted the ground, contacting the terrain first with the right wing and nose.
Post-Accident Investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the tachometer was stuck at approximately 2200 RPM. Chordwise scratches were visible on one blade of the propeller. Fuel was present in the carburetor. No defects were found with the engine or the airframe.
Pilot Statement
The pilot in command, who occupied the left seat, stated that he did not remember what happened. He reported that the pilot in the right seat was operating the flight controls just prior to the accident.