CESSNA 140 near Slocomb, AL — 2022-08-27

Final reportERA22LA389

Date: 2022-08-27
Location: Slocomb, AL, USA
Airport: PVT
Aircraft: CESSNA 140
Registration: N76527
Category: Airplane
Highest injury: Serious
Fatalities: 0
Phase of flight: Initial climb

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined.

NTSB narrative

Following an engine overhaul, the pilot conducted several test flights around the airport traffic pattern. After landing, the airplane was fueled with aviation fuel, and the pilot began another flight. During the takeoff roll, a witness observed that the airplane seemed “sluggish,” and the engine sounded “weak.” The pilot realized the engine was not producing full power but decided it was too late to abort the takeoff. As the airplane approached the top of a 70-ft-tall tree line, the pilot exceeded the critical angle of attack; the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall and descended into trees. The airplane came to rest suspended from the tree canopy, and a postcrash fire ensued. The pilot was able to egress the airplane and jump to the ground. Postaccident examination of the engine and components, which were extensively damaged by fire, did not reveal evidence of any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available evidence.