Cessna 140 Safety Record

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

460

All Events

321

Incidents

72

Minor

32

Serious

35

Fatal (51 fatalities)
Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Feb 26, 2011 Newark, CA N5351C Incident substantial
A loss of engine power due to water contamination in the fuel system as a result of the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection to identify and remove…

A loss of engine power due to water contamination in the fuel system as a result of the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection to identify and remove the water.
Dec 24, 2010 Winnsboro, SC N76831 Incident substantial The excessive brake inputs by both pilots during the landing roll resulting in the airplane nosing over.
Jul 10, 2010 Franklin, IN N72609 Incident substantial The pilot's improper touchdown point and excessive braking, which resulted in a nose over.
May 29, 2010 Atchison, KS N76287 Incident substantial The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Mar 23, 2010 Malta, OH N2082N Incident substantial The pilot's decision to take off in conditions that exceeded the climb capability of the airplane.
Jan 13, 2010 Urbana, IL N5353C Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the crosswind landing.
Sep 05, 2009 Louisa, VA N3656V Incident substantial The Cessna pilot's inadequate visual lookout.
Aug 20, 2009 Fairbanks, AK N72518 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to achieve a proper touchdown point, resulting in an overrun and a nose over.
Aug 17, 2009 White Plains, NY N9467A Incident substantial The failure of the right main landing gear due to a preexisting crack adjacent to a weld line.
Jun 02, 2009 St. Louis, MO N76456 Incident substantial
The improper installation of the wing fairing during recent maintenance, which resulted in the partial separation of the fairing shortly after takeoff…

The improper installation of the wing fairing during recent maintenance, which resulted in the partial separation of the fairing shortly after takeoff.
May 10, 2009 Mesquite, NV N73017 Incident substantial The pilot's loss of directional control during landing resulting from binding of the left wheel's brake actuating system for an undetermined reason.
May 05, 2009 Haines, AK N1685V Incident substantial The pilot's decision to practice takeoff and landings on unsuitable terrain, which resulted in a nose-over on takeoff.
Dec 24, 2008 Highmore, SD N89418 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the flare while landing in deep snow.
Dec 17, 2008 Preston, ID N4008N Incident substantial The pilot's misjudged flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent nose over.
Aug 16, 2008 Lowman, ID N1161D Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Mar 02, 2008 Dayton, TN N3536V Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Feb 23, 2008 Poplar Grove, IL N3527V Incident substantial The left wing skin "fabric patch" separated from the wing ribs and spars for an undetermined reason.
Feb 19, 2008 Halls, TN N2086V Incident substantial
The flight instructor's inadequate remedial action. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control durin…

The flight instructor's inadequate remedial action. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Feb 09, 2008 Logan, UT N72957 Incident substantial The dual-student's excessive brake application, and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight.
Nov 05, 2007 Poultney, VT N89120 Incident substantial
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 j…

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.
Sep 08, 2007 Lubbock, TX N72699 Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing. A contributing factor was the flight instructor's delay in taking …

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing. A contributing factor was the flight instructor's delay in taking remedial action.
Aug 17, 2007 Grant, NE N89492 Incident substantial The directional control not obtained/maintained by the pilot during landing. Contributing factors were the crosswind, gust, and ditch.
Aug 15, 2007 Olympia, WA N4084N Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Apr 27, 2007 Winner, SD N72953 Incident substantial The pilot's excessive use of braking during the landing roll, causing the aircraft to nose over.
Jan 23, 2007 Murrieta, CA N2006V Incident substantial The pilot's excessive application of brakes during taxi after landing, resulting in a nose over.
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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