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
Mar 08, 2001	San Jose, CA	N77J	Incident	substantial	The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during landing.
Nov 17, 2000	SACRAMENTO, CA	N2154V	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain directional control on landing rollout.
Oct 21, 2000	MCCLURE, PA	N279W	Incident	substantial	The loss of engine power over unsuitable terrain due to fuel starvation from a fuel strainer blocked with sealant particles.
Jul 13, 2000	ST. FRANCIS, MN	N76427	Incident	substantial	the pilot selected to land in a field that was unsuitable for landing. A factor was the soft field.
Jul 09, 2000	ALLIANCE, OH	N3583V	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper decision to abort the takeoff. A factor in this accident was the dark night conditions.
Apr 28, 2000	TULSA, OK	N140RE	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll. A factor was the runway sign struck by the aircraft.
Apr 26, 2000	HUNTER, OK	N76176	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate preflight resulting in the loss of the oil cap and subsequent loss of engine oil. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain fo… The pilot's inadequate preflight resulting in the loss of the oil cap and subsequent loss of engine oil. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the landing.
Apr 21, 2000	RED LODGE, MT	N3579V	Incident	substantial	A high density altitude and inadequate preflight planning/preparation. Not attaining a proper climb rate, not maintaining a proper runway alignment, … A high density altitude and inadequate preflight planning/preparation. Not attaining a proper climb rate, not maintaining a proper runway alignment, and gusting wind conditions were factors.
Apr 04, 2000	CRESWELL, OR	N76777	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Factors include a drainage ditch and a crosswind.
Dec 15, 1999	HELENA, MT	N2739N	Incident	substantial	Separation of the left main landing gear. Factors include inadequate preflight inspection by the pilot, and inadequate inspection at the time of annu… Separation of the left main landing gear. Factors include inadequate preflight inspection by the pilot, and inadequate inspection at the time of annual inspection by maintenance personnel.
Sep 25, 1999	TYLER, TX	N76731	Incident	substantial	The locked left brake, which made normal braking impossible, and resulted in the airplane nosing down.
Jul 05, 1999	BECKLEY, WV	N72992	Incident	substantial	The pilot's loss of aircraft control during the landing roll, which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop.
Jul 04, 1999	SITKA, AK	N3579V	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions. Factors in the accident were a crosswind, and the pilot's lack of total experience in t… The pilot's inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions. Factors in the accident were a crosswind, and the pilot's lack of total experience in the type of airplane.
Jun 22, 1999	NORTH POLE, AK	N4205N	Incident	substantial	The pilot misjudged his altitude and airspeed, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. Factors in the accident were a wet gra… The pilot misjudged his altitude and airspeed, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. Factors in the accident were a wet grass runway, and the pilot's excessive application of the brakes.
Jun 09, 1999	WOODSTOCK, GA	N76390	Incident	substantial	a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation because of contaminated fuel, resulting in a forced landing and subsequent impact with a tree.
May 28, 1999	FARMINGTON, NM	N89586	Incident	substantial	The pilot's excessive use of rudder while attempting to correct for loss of directional control. Factors were the pilot's loss of directional control… The pilot's excessive use of rudder while attempting to correct for loss of directional control. Factors were the pilot's loss of directional control, and his lack of experience in the type of airplane.
Apr 19, 1999	DALLAS, GA	N9462A	Incident	substantial	The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain/landing area for a short field landing, and his delay in executing a go-around.
Jan 17, 1999	BURSON, CA	N89513	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering to avoid an obstacle immediately after takeoff. A factor in the accident was the … The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering to avoid an obstacle immediately after takeoff. A factor in the accident was the pilot's inadequate examination of the off-airport takeoff area in order to identify potential hazards.
Oct 01, 1998	BELEN, NM	N9403A	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors were his inadequate compensation for the gusty crosswind conditions, and the airplane manuf… The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors were his inadequate compensation for the gusty crosswind conditions, and the airplane manufacturer's failure to provide adequate performance data.
Sep 07, 1998	FAIRBANKS, AK	N81045	Incident	substantial	The loss of engine power due to an in-flight fracture of an engine exhaust valve stem assembly. A factor associated with the accident was the lack of … The loss of engine power due to an in-flight fracture of an engine exhaust valve stem assembly. A factor associated with the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.
Aug 12, 1998	BATTLEGROUND, WA	N77017	Incident	substantial	Nose Over for undetermined reasons.
Jul 19, 1998	GANSEVOORT, NY	N1689V	Incident	substantial	The pilot's decision to continue the landing attempt too far down the runway.
Jun 01, 1998	MADISON, CT	N72657	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper in-flight decision to continue the landing and his delayed go-around attempt. A factor in this accident was the pilot's diverted… The pilot's improper in-flight decision to continue the landing and his delayed go-around attempt. A factor in this accident was the pilot's diverted attention.
May 22, 1998	HOLT, FL	N2102N	Incident	substantial	Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the unsuitable terrain.
Mar 28, 1998	LINDEN, NJ	N2229V	Incident	substantial	The pilot in commands improper recovery from a bounced landing.

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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