Probable cause
The pilot's decision to practice takeoff and landings on unsuitable terrain, which resulted in a nose-over on takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The solo commercial pilot reported that he was practicing remote beach takeoffs and landings in his personal airplane. On the accident takeoff, he said that the airplane bounced when it encountered a rocky area and when it touched down again in soft sand, it nosed over. The airplane received substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC09CA037 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 5, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Haines, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 140
- N-number
- N1685V
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.