# NTSB ANC87LA010: Taylorcraft BC-12D, N95248, Unalakleet, AK, October 24, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 24, 1986, 14:45 local (22:45 UTC)
- Place: Unalakleet, AK
- Coordinates: 64.090774, -160.359573 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=64.0908&lon=-160.3596&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4805
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC87LA010
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4805/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87LA010

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - carburetor heat control,cable/push-pull rod - disconnected (cause)
  - fuel supply - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel system - contamination (cause)
  - carburetor heat - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel system - water (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
- Undershoot, landing
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - misjudged, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - emergency procedure - delayed, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PILOT WITH 14 HOURS EXPERIENCE IN THIS AIRPLANE DID NOT RECOGNIZE THAT THE CARBURETOR HEAT CONTROL WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. HE DID NOT RECALL DRAINING THE AIRPLANE'S FUEL SUMPS AFTER REFUELING FROM EXPOSED FUEL TANKS PRIOR TO TAKEOFF. CARBURETOR ICE AND PARTICULATE MATTER AND WATER COULD HAVE DEROGATED ENGINE PERFORMANCE. AFTER PWR LOSS DURING INITIAL CLIMB THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO RETURN TO THE ARPT AND LANDED OFF SHORE IN WATER. AFTER RECOVERY THE ENG WA OPERATED. THE DAY OF THE ACC HAD WX COND. FOR CARB ICE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N95248](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N95248-2018-02-12), registration cancelled 2018-02-12, S/N 9648, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: TAYLORCRAFT BC-12D
- Registry model: [Taylorcraft BC12-D](https://openairdocs.org/model/taylorcraft-bc12-d) (registry code 8850316) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 9648
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Registered owner: James M. Brewer II
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 15, 1985
- Destination: GAL, GALENA, AK
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: UNK, Unalakleet, runway 8, 2,000 × 80 ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 230 total, 14 in this make and model, 170 as pilot in command, 27 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 80° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 25 °F, dew point 19 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19861024055429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861024055429A), Oct 24, 1986: Tcraft BC12D, Unalakleet, AK, Substantial damage. The engine lost power on takeoff and the aircraft was ditched. The carburetor heat cable was loose. Carb icing.

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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