NTSB Factual Report

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On Sunday, February 7, 1993, at approximately 1600 central standard time, a Cessna 140 airplane, N76970, was destroyed upon impact with terrain while maneuvering at the Manning Airport, near Jefferson, Texas. The commercial pilot and his passenger were fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight.

According to the airport owner, N76970 arrived at the Manning Airport with another airplane as a flight of two. After visiting for about 25 minutes, the pilots of both airplanes decided to depart for their home base. The pilots of N76970 switched seats and the owner, who was at the controls at the time of their arrival, became the passenger in the right seat. After both crews boarded their airplanes, the other airplane failed to start due to a weak battery. The pilots of N76970, elected to takeoff while the other crew procured a battery cart to start their airplane.

According to witnesses, the airplane departed runway 07, remained in left traffic, and executed a high speed low pass over the runway, at approximately 10 feet above the ground. As the airplane approached the center of the airport, a sharp pull up was observed to approximately 250 feet AGL as the airplane entered a right roll. Power was heard being added as the nose pitched down. The airplane was observed impacting in a wooded area near the airport boundary, in a left wing low attitude.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

According to friends, the pilot flew North American P51s during World War II, and was an accomplished aerobatic pilot who occasionally performed aerobatic exhibitions at air shows.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

A review of the airplane and engine records did not reveal any anomalies or uncorrected maintenance defects prior to the flight. The 1946 vintage airplane was purchased by Mr. Hunt on April 6, 1987.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

An examination of the airplane and the terrain revealed that the airplane impacted the level ground on a measured heading of 120 degrees, with the fuselage coming to rest on a measured heading of 200 degrees. A red lens, identified as the wing tip navigation light for the left wing, was located at the initial point of impact. Approximately 58 feet from the initial point of impact, a small crater containing engine oil and paint transfers from the propellers and engine cowling was found. The propeller was found approximately 15 feet beyond that crater.

Flight control continuity was established to all flight controls. The wing flaps were found in the retracted position. Cockpit/cabin space was violated and approximately 80 percent of the space available was occupied by the instrument panel and engine.

The engine was examined at the accident site. The carburetor and the  propeller were separated from the engine and the engine sustained impact damage especially to the bottom of the engine, the exhaust system, and accessories. Engine continuity was established, the ignition system was found operational, and evidence of fuel was found in the fuel lines, left fuel tank, and carburetor

The propeller was separated from the engine on the engine side of the crankshaft flange. One blade exhibited S bending and twisting, while the other was bent aft.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Autopsies were performed on both pilots. Toxicological tests were ordered and performed on the pilot. The autopsies were performed by Robert W. Palmer, M.D, in Marshall, Texas. The toxicology report on the pilot revealed levels of 7.800 (ug/ml, ug/g) Theophyline (asthma medication) found in the blood, and 31.800 (ug/ml, ug/g), Theophyline found in the Urine. According to Dr. Canfield of the Civil Aero Medical Institute, these levels were below therapeutic levels.

ADDITIONAL DATA

The wreckage was released to the owner's representative at the accident site, on February 8, 1993.

NTSB Probable Cause

INADVERTENT STALL. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S PERFORMANCE OF AEROBATICS AT LOW ALTITUDE