Accident Overview
On August 5, 2017, at approximately 1000 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 140, registration N89738, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power near Mount Sterling, Kentucky. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The personal flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was filed for the local flight that departed Stanton Airport (I50) in Stanton, Kentucky.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. According to his most recent application for a third-class medical certificate, issued on August 3, 2016, he reported 1,200 hours of total flight experience. The aircraft was a two-seat, high-wing, tailwheel-equipped airplane powered by a Lycoming O-235 engine rated at 116 horsepower. The last engine overhaul was completed on June 3, 1975.
Flight and Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that he departed I50 with approximately 9 gallons of fuel in the left tank and 12 gallons in the right tank, with the fuel selector positioned to the left fuel tank. About 20 minutes into the flight, while flying at an altitude of 2,400 feet with the engine operating at 2,400 rpm and the mixture leaned, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot executed a forced landing in a field. After touchdown, the airplane went over a fence and down a hill before impacting a creek. Before exiting the airplane, the pilot turned off the master switch, fuel, radio, and ignition.
Postaccident Examination
An FAA inspector conducted a postaccident examination. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The right fuel tank was full, containing about 12 gallons of fuel, while the left tank contained about 2.5 gallons. The fuel was free of water and contaminants. No fuel was found in the carburetor bowl. The fuel selector valve was intact and in the OFF position. The fuel tank vent caps were unobstructed. The engine's crankshaft was manually rotated by turning the propeller; continuity of the crankshaft and compression were confirmed on all cylinders. Cylinders were examined with a lighted borescope, and no anomalies were noted. Both left and right magnetos produced spark when rotated by hand.
Weather Information
The recorded weather at Mount Sterling Montgomery County Airport (I50), located about 9 miles northwest of the accident site, at 1255 included wind from 100° at 6 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, temperature 22°C, dew point 11°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.18 inches of mercury.