On November 5, 2007, a Cessna 140 (registration N89120) was involved in an aviation accident near Poultney, VT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's attempt to land on an unimproved airstrip resulting in a ground loop/swerve. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's poor judgement in attempting to land on an unsuitable runway and the unsuitable runway conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempted to land on a runway he was constructing on his property, but the aircraft ground-looped after striking a rock and ended up in a ditch, causing substantial damage.
Incident Overview
A pilot involved in constructing a private runway on his property decided to test it despite its unfinished state. According to an FAA inspector, the pilot admitted he was anxious to "try it out." The landing attempt resulted in the aircraft veering off course, striking a rock with the right wheel, and initiating a ground loop to the right. The pilot attempted to correct the maneuver, but the aircraft then ground-looped to the left before coming to rest in a ditch.
Damage Assessment
The impact and subsequent motion caused extensive damage to the aircraft. Both wings were crushed, and the engine was displaced rearward into the cockpit area. The FAA inspector noted that the runway was in no condition to accommodate any aircraft.
FAA Remarks
Following the incident, an FAA inspector examined the scene and determined that the runway surface was unsuitable for operations. The pilot had been in the process of constructing the runway but had not completed it to a safe standard. No further details about the aircraft or pilot were provided.