Probable cause
The pilot's failure to obtain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
NTSB analysis
According to a witness the airplane touched down and lifted off, but did not appear to gain much altitude. Near the end of the runway, the airplane wavered right and then left before the left wing struck the ground. As a result of the impact, the fuselage, left wing, firewall, and elevator incurred substantial damage. The pilot stated that he could not recall the events that transpired during the accident sequence; he reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10CA469 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 6, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Levant, Maine
- Nearest airport
- Griffin Field Leavant (NONE)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 140
- N-number
- N3650V
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.