# NTSB CHI85LA202: Taylorcraft BC-12D, N44345, Michigan City, IN, May 19, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 18, 1985, 19:00 local (May 19, 1985, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Michigan City, IN
- Coordinates: 41.710063, -86.870834 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.7101&lon=-86.8708&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13071
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA202
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13071/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA202

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, climb - to cruise
  - fuel system - starvation (cause)
  - fuel system,vent - blocked(total) (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (cause)

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF THE ACFT EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER & MADE AN EMERG LANDING INTO A CORN FIELD. INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THAT THERE WAS NO GAS IN THE CARBURETOR. THE PLT STATED THAT THERE WAS ABOUT 10 GALS IN THE ACFT PRIOR TO TAKEOFF. NO FUEL WAS FOUND AT THE ACCIDENT, HOWEVER THE FUEL TANK HAD BEEN RUPTURED. WHEN THE FUEL TANK CAP VENT WAS INSPECTED IT WAS FOUND TO BE CLOGGED WITH MUD. THE CAP FITTED LOOSELY & IT COULD NOT BE DETERMINED HOW MUCH VENTING COULD HAVE TAKEN PLACE AROUND THE FUEL CAP GASKET.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N44345](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N44345-2012-11-09), registration cancelled 2012-11-09, S/N 10145, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: TAYLORCRAFT BC-12D
- Registry model: [Taylorcraft BC12-D1](https://openairdocs.org/model/taylorcraft-bc12-d1) (registry code 8850320) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 10145
- Airframe hours: 1200
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Dennis M. Phillips
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 600 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SBN, 20 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 19850518018049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850518018049A), May 18, 1985: Tcraft BC12D1, Michigan City, IN, Substantial damage. Loss of power after takeoff. Landed in field. Fuel cap vent plugged with mud, carburetor without fuel.

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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