Probable cause
A hard landing which resulted in a loss of directional control, main landing gear collapse, and damage to the left wing spar.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he landed with a 5 to 8 knot tailwind and landed hard. The pilot lost directional control of the airplane and side loaded the landing gear which caused the left main landing gear to collapse and the left wing impacted the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA023 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 20, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fort Benton, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Fort Benton (79S)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 140
- N-number
- N76001
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- 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.