NTSB Factual Report

On April 22, 2002, at 1000 central daylight time, a Cessna 140 airplane, N89343, was substantially damaged following a loss of directional control during the takeoff roll from the Powderly Airport, Powderly, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. The airline transport pilot and his one passenger sustained minor 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 was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot, he was attempting to depart from runway 17 (3,150' X 45'). The pilot reported that he had difficulty controlling the airplane during the takeoff roll and, subsequently, the airplane departed the left side of the runway. The airplane contacted muddy terrain, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. The pilot reported that, at the time of the accident, the wind was from the east at 9 knots. Additionally, the pilot reported that he had accumulated a total of 24,000 flight hours, of which 100 hours were in the Cessna 140.

The FAA inspector, who examined the airplane, reported that both wing attach points were structurally damaged, the wing struts were collapsed, and the engine mount was damaged.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in an encounter with muddy terrain and a nose over. Contributing factors to the accident were the crosswind and muddy terrain.