On June 21, 2001, a Cessna 140 (registration N73004) operated by David C. Murley was involved in an aviation accident near Winnsboro, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the loss of engine power during takeoff climb for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the ensuing forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During climb, the engine lost power. The pilot applied carburetor heat and turned back. Power decreased and engine stopped. No suitable landing area; airplane struck trees and impacted ground. Post-crash examination found no anomalies.
Accident Summary
The pilot had completed one takeoff and landing before the accident flight. Prior to the second takeoff, a preflight engine run up was conducted. While the airplane was climbing through 875 feet msl, the engine missed. The pilot applied carburetor heat and turned back toward the runway. The engine power steadily decreased and ultimately stopped. The pilot reported that there was no satisfactory place for an emergency landing and that a clump of trees was between the airplane and the runway. The airplane struck the trees and subsequently impacted the ground.
Pilot Actions
Immediately after the engine missed, the pilot activated carburetor heat and initiated a turn back toward the runway. Despite these actions, engine power continued to diminish until the engine ceased operation entirely. The pilot assessed the terrain and determined that no suitable landing area existed, with trees obstructing the path to the runway.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector and a representative of the engine manufacturer examined the engine following the accident. No anomalies were found that would have prevented its operation.