Cessna 140 accident near Big Lake, MN
On March 29, 1997, a Cessna 140 (airplane) was involved in an accident near Big Lake, MN. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- March 29, 1997
- Place
- Big Lake, MN
- Aircraft
- Cessna 140 · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 45.330°N, 93.739°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001208X07498
Official records · CHI97FA095
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On March 30, 1997 at 1230 central standard time (cst), a Cessna 140, N77166, was destroyed following an uncontrolled descent into terrain, near Big Lake, Minnesota. Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang and seeing the airplane spinning before it impacted the terrain. The private pilot was fatally injured in the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions and no flight plan had been filed. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION The airplane wreckage was located in a wooded area. The wreckage path was consistent with a near vertical descent through the trees. Most of the aircraft's components were located within 20 feet of the main wreckage. Approximately one quarter mile from the main wreckage pieces of plexiglass which were from the airplane's windshield were found by local residents. The right wing strut attachment was separated from the fuselage, and the right wing had wrapped around the aft fuselage of the airplane. Both right wing struts were buckled in numerous places. The brace strut for the right wing was not located. The location of the right wing's brace strut attachment to the spar had a portion of what appeared to be the strut attachment bracket, still attached. Both left wing struts had area's which were consistent with a buckling failure. The brace strut for the left wing was still attached to the main strut. Both wings of the airplane showed signs which appeared to indicate a negative G overload of the airplane. The horizontal stabilizer was still attached to the airplane when the wreckage was found. The up
Probable cause
The pilot's maneuvers which exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane and resulted in structural overload of the horizontal tail followed by a structural overload of the wings.
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Browse: Minnesota · Cessna aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
