Probable cause
The pilot's incorrect pitch control during takeoff, which resulted in a nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during a wheel-landing touch-and-go in crosswind conditions, as power was applied for takeoff, the airplane "hopped to the right and then to the left." He added that he applied "normal downward pressure to lift the tail and maintain a level attitude," but as he did so, the airplane continued to pitch forward and nosed over on the runway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and windscreen.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA047 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 8, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Macon, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Macon Downtown (MAC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 140
- N-number
- N76238
- 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.