# NTSB ANC85LA173: Taylorcraft BL-65, N27696, Rainey Pass, AK, September 9, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 8, 1985, 22:00 local (Sep 9, 1985, 06:00 UTC)
- Place: Rainey Pass, AK
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4561
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC85LA173
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4561/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC85LA173

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS TAKING OFF ON A STRIP OF TUNDRA ABOUT 1000 FT LONG IN CALM WIND CONDITIONS. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL & THE ACFT GROUND LOOPED & WAS DAMAGED. NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WERE REPORTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N27696](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N27696-2018-03-01), registration cancelled 2018-03-01, S/N 2338, built 1940 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: TAYLORCRAFT BL-65
- Registry model: [Taylorcraft BC-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/taylorcraft-bc-65) (registry code 8850306) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2338
- Airframe hours: 5469
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: Unknown
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James D. Miller
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: Tundra Strip, runway 18, 1,000 ×  ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 5,600 total, 150 in this make and model, 5,400 as pilot in command, 150 in the last 90 days, 100 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 100 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 37 °F, dew point 19 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850908043889A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850908043889A), Sep 8, 1985: Tcraft BC65, Rainey Pass, AK, Substantial damage. Lost directional control during takeoff and ground looped aircraft.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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