NTSB Factual Report

On June 21, 2001, at 0813 central daylight time, a Cessna 140 single-engine airplane, N73004, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during takeoff climb from the Winnsboro Municipal Airport, Winnsboro, Texas. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight originated approximately 20 minutes prior to the accident.

The pilot reported in a written statement that he had taken off from runway 01, completed one traffic pattern, and landed. He added that he back taxied on the runway, conducted a preflight run up, and took off a second time. While the airplane was climbing through 875 feet msl, the "engine missed." The pilot applied carburetor heat and turned back toward the runway. The engine power "steadily decreased and the engine ultimately stopped." The pilot added that there "was no satisfactory place for an emergency landing" and that there was a clump of trees between the airplane and the airport. The airplane struck the trees, and subsequently, impacted the ground.

According to the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, four witnesses located near the departure end of the runway heard the engine "stop." The airplane turned 180 degrees and headed toward the runway. As the airplane descended, it impacted trees approximately 500 feet from the runway. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the ground approximately 200 feet from the trees and skidded to a stop upright. The airplane's fuselage and wings sustained structural damage.

On June 22, 2001, the FAA inspector and a representative of the engine manufacturer examined the wreckage. They stated that the propeller remained undamaged, and the carburetor was separated from its mount. Crankshaft continuity was verified from the propeller to the accessory case, and compression was obtained on all four cylinders. The magnetos were rotated manually and a spark was produced in all terminals. The carburetor was disassembled and no anomalies were noted. Fuel was noted in the lines leading to the carburetor. No anomalies were noted that would have prevented engine operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

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.