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
Jun 21, 2001 Winnsboro, TX N73004 Serious (1) substantial
the loss of engine power during takeoff climb for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the ensuing forced…

the loss of engine power during takeoff climb for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the ensuing forced landing.

Jun 08, 2001 La Porte, IN N89320 Incident substantial the inadequate planned approach by the pilot. Contributing factors were the fuel starvation and tailwind.
May 20, 2001 Fort Worth, TX N77241 Incident substantial the inadvertent ground loop during the landing roll. A contributing factor was the gusty crosswind.
Apr 25, 2001 Greeley, CO N666TC Incident substantial total failure of the right main landing gear spring due to fatigue.
Mar 08, 2001 San Jose, CA N77J Incident substantial The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during landing.
Dec 23, 2000 BAKERSFIELD, CA N72970 Minor substantial
The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning, fuel management, and inadequate remedial actions, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fue…

The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning, fuel management, and inadequate remedial actions, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. The pilot made an off-field landing and collided with a fence.

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.
Aug 05, 2000 POST MILLS, VT N73044 Minor substantial was the pilot's improper fuel management which resulted in power loss due to fuel starvation.
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.
Jun 17, 2000 TURNER, ME N2063N Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control after landing. A factor in this accident was the high grass along the runway edge which disguised…

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control after landing. A factor in this accident was the high grass along the runway edge which disguised an embankment.

Jun 15, 2000 HAYFORK, CA N2688N Minor substantial
The failure of the pilot under instruction to maintain directional control during the landing roll and the inadequate supervision of the flight instru…

The failure of the pilot under instruction to maintain directional control during the landing roll and the inadequate supervision of the flight instructor, which resulted in a collision with a runway light, overload failure of the wheel axle, and the airplane nosing over inverted.

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.
Feb 19, 2000 WEIR, TX N76190 Minor substantial The delayed aborted takeoff by the pilot. Factors were the pilot's intentional ground loop/swerve and the tail wind.
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.

Dec 11, 1999 HARPER, OR N5347C Fatal (1) substantial
The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain terrain clearance. Factors include meteorological conditions obscuring the pilot's visibility and incapaci…

The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain terrain clearance. Factors include meteorological conditions obscuring the pilot's visibility and incapacitation due to illegal substances.

Dec 04, 1999 PORT TOWNSEND, WA N1936V Minor substantial Compensation for wind conditions was inadequate. Gusting wind conditions were a factor.
Sep 25, 1999 TYLER, TX N76731 Incident substantial The locked left brake, which made normal braking impossible, and resulted in the airplane nosing down.
Aug 15, 1999 ZANESVILLE, OH N89775 Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control.
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.

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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