Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate handling which resulted in the airplane nosing over during the takeoff roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported he attempted to lower the nose of the airplane during the takeoff. He stated that he lowered the nose, the propeller struck the ground, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 22, 1994, about 2000 eastern daylight time, N3627V, a Cessna 140, nosed over during takeoff on runway 24 at Wykoop Airport, Mount Vernon, Ohio. Visual meteorological conditions existed. The pilot, and one passenger were not injured. The airplane was substantial damaged. The local flight was operated under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot reportedly stated, "In proceeding down the runway on take off in attempting to lift the tail I over controlled the tail controls. The tail lifted too high and I corrected the controls and got behind the controls of the tail's inputs. Because of this, there was a propeller strike which caused the plane to roll over the nose." -