Casualties unknown

2003-10-03: Cessna 140 (N72701) — Waterloo, IA

Waterloo, IA, US

On October 3, 2003, a Cessna 140 (registration N72701) was involved in an aviation accident near Waterloo, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions which resulted in his failure to maintain control of the airplane while landing. A factor associated with the accident was the strong, gusty wind condition. 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

A pilot lost control during landing on runway 30 in gusty winds, reporting the left wing entered a stall after the right wing rose during touchdown, leading to a go-around attempt and subsequent ground contact.

Accident Overview

A loss of control occurred during a landing attempt on runway 30. The pilot reported that prior to the landing, he had contacted Flight Service and heard transmissions from other aircraft indicating strong and gusty winds from the northwest. He also listened to the automated terminal information service (ATIS) before beginning the approach.

Pilot's Report

According to the pilot, the airplane was traveling at 60 miles per hour when the left wheel touched down. At that moment, the right wing began to rise. In response, the pilot applied full power and removed carburetor heat to initiate a go-around. Despite these actions, the right wing continued to rise, and the pilot was unable to lower it or the nose to gain more airspeed. Subsequently, the left wing contacted the runway, followed by the propeller, main landing gear, and right wing tip. The pilot stated his belief that the left wing was in a "stall mode."

Wind Conditions

Local wind recordings taken one minute prior to the event indicated winds from 330 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 27 knots.

Aircraft Damage

The sequence of ground contact involved the left wing, propeller, main gear, and right wing tip. No further details on damage extent are available.

Probable Cause

The investigation source did not state a specific probable cause for the accident. The pilot's account of the left wing entering a stall mode may be relevant, but no official determination was provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031009X01697. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.