N3160N is a 1947 Cessna 140. It is a fixed-wing single-engine aircraft with 2 seats, powered by a Cont Motor C85 series rated at 85 horsepower. Its registration was cancelled in Feb 1957. Its standard airworthiness certificate was issued in Sep 2012. This page also carries 1 NTSB event.
FAA recordRegistered in Chico, CA in 2008 · deregistered in 1957.
2012
2008
1957
About an hour prior to the flight, the pilot checked the surface observation report for nearby Chico (KCIC) Municipal Airport, which was about 5 miles to the northeast. He stated that it indicated an indefinite ceiling of 200 feet and visibility of 3 miles with fog and ground fog. An aviation routine weather report (METAR) for KCIC was issued at the approximate time of the accident. It stated: winds from 130 degrees at 5 knots; visibility 1 3/4 miles, mist; skies 200-foot indefinite ceiling; altimeter 30.25 inches of mercury. The pilot stated that the visibility was good on the ground. As the airplane took off and climbed, he realized that the visibility went to zero. He turned around and tried to get back to the airport. He descended to try and get low enough under the fog to see the airport. There were trees on the east side of the airport, and he tried to stay above them while looking for the runway. He was on left downwind for runway 14 and turning base. The right wing hit a branch, and the airplane went down. The right wing and empennage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane or engine.
No photos yet. This aircraft is no longer FAA-registered, so it can't be claimed for uploads.
No trips logged. This aircraft is no longer FAA-registered, so it can't be claimed to log trips.
No stories yet. This aircraft is no longer FAA-registered, so it can't be claimed to add one.
About the Cessna 140
About the modelA two-seat taildragger with a high wing and, on most examples, metal wings replacing the earlier fabric. An early postwar light aircraft, now largely in the hands of enthusiasts.