Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the check pilot's delayed remedial action.
NTSB analysis
During the takeoff roll in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the pilot, who was being checked out in the airplane, pushed the control yoke forward to lift the tail off the ground. When the tail came up, he lost control, and the airplane ground looped. The check pilot tried to regain directional control, but the airplane went off the runway and flipped over, causing substantial damage to the airframe. The pilot reported no mechanical preimpact malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA189 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 11, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- El Reno, Oklahoma
- Nearest airport
- El Reno (RQO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 140
- N-number
- N90047
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.