On November 24, 2001, a Cessna 140 (registration N72701) was involved in an aviation accident near Gilchrist, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper use of carburetor heat during takeoff and his selection of a downwind runway, which resulted in a degradation of performance and the airplane impacting an embankment. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported engine power loss during takeoff from a 760-foot grass field adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico; the aircraft struck a two-foot embankment with its tail wheel and nosed over inverted into water. The pilot stated the carburetor heat was left on and a slight tailwind existed.
Accident Details
The pilot initiated a takeoff to the south from a grass field located adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico. The field measured approximately 760 feet in length. The northern half of the field had been mowed, while the southern half remained unmowed.
According to the pilot's report to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the airplane's engine did not seem to be producing full power during the takeoff roll. As the airplane approached the end of the field, its tail wheel contacted a two-foot embankment. The airplane subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted in the water.
Pilot Reports
The pilot reported that the carburetor heat had been left in the ON position throughout the takeoff. Additionally, the pilot stated that the takeoff was conducted with a "slight tailwind." At the time of the accident, a nearby weather observation facility recorded wind from the northwest at 8 knots.