Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to land on an unsuitable surface which resulted in his loss of aircraft control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel e quipped airplane reported that, he decided to initiate a landing on a dry lakebed. During the landing roll, the airplane sank in mud, rapidly decelerated and nosed over. The left-wing strut was substantially damaged. 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 WPR22LA178 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 14, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Estancia, New Mexico
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 140
- N-number
- N76190
- 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.