How many accidents has the Cessna 140 had?

The NTSB has recorded 460 events involving the Cessna 140: 35 fatal, 32 serious, 72 minor injuries, and 321 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Cessna 140 a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Cessna 140 has 460 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

Cessna 140 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 460 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.

460

All Events

321

Incidents

Minor

Serious

Fatal (51 fatalities)

Date	Location	Reg#	Severity	Damage	Probable Cause
Aug 25, 2016	Lebanon, IN	N2614N	Incident	substantial	PC The unseen standing water on the runway that abruptly slowed the tailwheel equipped airplane during landing resulting in a nose-over.
Jul 08, 2016	Salinas, CA	N89965	Incident	substantial	The fatigue failure of a bulkhead-skin joint that supported the main landing gear leg, which resulted in the collapse of the left main landing gear. C… The fatigue failure of a bulkhead-skin joint that supported the main landing gear leg, which resulted in the collapse of the left main landing gear. Contributing to the failure were the non-original structural configuration of the 60-year-old airplane and the relative inaccessibility for inspection or cleaning of the structure in the region of the fatigue failure.
Apr 30, 2016	Poplar Grove, IL	N4242H	Incident	substantial	The pilot's visual disorientation and failure to monitor the altimeter during a night approach, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
Mar 13, 2016	Chandler, AZ	N89939	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion, a ground loop, and a collision with… The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion, a ground loop, and a collision with an airport sign.
Feb 13, 2016	Independence, OR	N3625V	Incident	substantial	The failure of the left main landing gear wheel axle due to a fatigue crack.
Jul 14, 2015	Homer, AK	N72784	Incident	substantial	The pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude in mountainous terrain and weather conditions conducive to downdrafts.
Aug 25, 2014	Luray, VA	N436DC	Incident	substantial	A loss of control and subsequent runway excursion while attempting to avoid a collision with a deer on takeoff.
Apr 10, 2014	Colebrook, NH	N2143N	Incident	substantial	The pilot's decision to power out of soft snow with a gusty quartering tailwind which resulted in the tail of the airplane rising and the airplane nos… The pilot's decision to power out of soft snow with a gusty quartering tailwind which resulted in the tail of the airplane rising and the airplane nosing over.
Jan 04, 2014	Marana, AZ	N76463	Incident	substantial	The pilot did not maintain directional control during the landing roll out when the right brake did not release completely after he applied, then rele… The pilot did not maintain directional control during the landing roll out when the right brake did not release completely after he applied, then released brake pressure, which resulted in a ground loop. Contributing to the accident was the taxi speed.
Jul 31, 2013	Jonesboro, AR	N2745N	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper flare and recovery from a bounced landing and his delay in performing an aborted landing.
May 11, 2013	Groesbeck, TX	N1752V	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during an aborted takeoff.
May 07, 2013	Glenwood Springs, CO	N89983	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the landing roll and his excessive use of right brake, which resulted in a noseover.
Apr 26, 2013	Newburgh, NY	N5314C	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control when the brakes bound and a subsequent ground loop. Contributing to the accident was the inadequat… The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control when the brakes bound and a subsequent ground loop. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintenance of the brakes by the pilot/owner.
Apr 18, 2013	Lancaster, SC	N76688	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s decision to land with a tailwind and his failure to turn off the carburetor heat during a go-around, which resulted in degraded engine per… The pilot’s decision to land with a tailwind and his failure to turn off the carburetor heat during a go-around, which resulted in degraded engine performance and the airplane’s subsequent collision with trees at the end of the runway.
Mar 11, 2013	El Reno, OK	N90047	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the check pilot's delayed remedial action.
Jan 21, 2013	Tucson, AZ	N223PE	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll and his excessive application of brakes, which resulted in a noseover.
Aug 25, 2012	Spearfish, SD	N140XX	Incident	substantial	The partial loss of engine power due to debris lodged beneath the throttle body of the carburetor venturi.
Mar 06, 2012	Mooresville, NC	N5693C	Incident	substantial	The separation of the left rudder cable turnbuckle and the pilot’s subsequent loss of directional control during landing.
Sep 01, 2011	Conroe, TX	N76521	Incident	substantial	The pilot's excessive use of brakes during the landing.
Aug 27, 2011	Kent, WA	N2719N	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's inadvertent application of the brakes during the landing roll, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.
Aug 25, 2011	Monmouth, IL	N72688	Incident	substantial	The pilot's loss of airplane control during the landing roll.
Aug 04, 2011	Wilkeson, WA	N2199N	Incident	substantial	A partial loss of engine power during takeoff due to water contamination in the fuel system.
May 29, 2011	Chickaloon, AK	N89424	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper decision to take off downwind from unsuitable terrain.
May 26, 2011	Quincy, FL	N1137D	Incident	substantial	The private pilot's inability to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll.
Mar 15, 2011	Anchorage, AK	N81074	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing, resulting in a ground loop.

Disclaimer: This data is sourced from the NTSB Aviation Accident Database. NTSB events reflect reported accidents and incidents and do not necessarily indicate a defect in the aircraft type. Many events involve pilot error, weather conditions, maintenance issues, or other factors unrelated to the aircraft design. This information is provided for research purposes only — consult official NTSB reports for complete details.

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Cessna 140 Safety Record

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