# NTSB CHI84LA323: Fairchild BC12-D, N94955, Hessel, MI, August 1, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 1, 1984, 19:15 local (23:15 UTC)
- Place: Hessel, MI
- Location: 46.0042° N, 84.4259° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Hessel, MI, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.0042&lon=-84.4259&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12716
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI84LA323
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12716/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84LA323

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise - normal
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - preflight briefing service - not obtained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - continued, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - rain (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total instrument time, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - airspeed(vs) - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall/spin - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

ACFT DEPARTED IN VFR CONDITIONS FOR SHORT X-COUNTRY FLT. NO WEATHER BRIEFING WAS OBTAINED. ON INITIAL ENCOUNTER WITH DETERIORATING CEILING AND VISIBILITY CONDITIONS, PLT REDUCED ALTITUDE IN ATTEMPT TO MAINTAIN GROUND REFERENCE. COURSE REVERSAL NOT INITIATED UNTIL GROUND REFERENCE LOST. PILOT CITED DISORIENTATION IN TURN AND STALL AS CAUSE OF LOSS OF CONTROL. WX REPORTED AT PELLSTON, MI, (30 MI S), WAS 3 MI VISIBILITY, 800 FT THIN BKN, 4000 FT OVC.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N94955](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N94955-1989-04-04), registration cancelled 1989-04-04, S/N 9355 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: FAIRCHILD BC12-D
- Registry model: [Taylorcraft BC12-D](https://openairdocs.org/model/taylorcraft-bc12-d) (registry code 8850316) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 9355
- Airframe hours: 1775
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Frederick F. Baker
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 6, 1984
- Departed: CIU, SAULT ST. MARIE, MI
- Destination: 83D, ST.IGNACE, MI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 300 total, 200 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Dusk
- Wind: 260° at 5 knots
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PLN, 30 nm away

## 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 19840801038979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840801038979A), Aug 1, 1984: Tcraft BC12D, Hessel, MI, Destroyed. VFR rated pilot entered IFR conditions, became disoriented, stalled and crashed.

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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