# NTSB CHI86FEC01: Taylorcraft BC12-D, N94903, Leslie, MI, April 1, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: March 31, 1986, 22:50 local (Apr 1, 1986, 03:50 UTC)
- Place: Leslie, MI
- Coordinates: 42.449489, -84.430099 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.4495&lon=-84.4301&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13279
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86FEC01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13279/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86FEC01

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, maneuvering
  - ignition system,spark plug - separation (cause)
  - fluid,fuel grade - incorrect
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Main gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear,main gear - failure,total
  - landing gear,main gear - overload

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS DAMAGED DURING A FORCED LNDG FOLLOWING A LOSS OF POWER AFTER A LOW PASS OVER AN OFF ARPT INTENDED LANDING AREA. THE PLT WAS OVERFLYING A FIELD BELONGING TO A FRIEND IN PREPARATION FOR A POSSIBLE LANDING WHEN A LOUD CLUNK WAS HEARD FROM THE ENG FOLLOWED BY A LOSS OF POWER. A LANDING WAS MADE STRAIGHT AHEAD INTO A ROUGH SOD FIELD DURING WHICH THE LEFT MAIN GEAR COLLAPSED FOLLOWED BY WING & PROP DAMAGE. THE PLT & HIS WIFE RECEIVED MINOR HEAD INJURIES. THE ACFT WAS FOUND DURING THE INVESTIGATION TO CONTAIN AUTOMOTIVE FUEL. THE ACFT DOES NOT HAVE AN STC FOR USE OF AUTOMOTIVE FUEL. LAP BELTS WERE INSTALLED IN THE ACFT BUT SHOULDER HARNESSES WERE NOT INSTALLED. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE LOWER SPARK PLUG IN #1 CYLINDER WAS MISSING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N94903](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N94903), registered now, S/N 9303, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: TAYLORCRAFT BC12-D
- 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: 9303
- Airframe hours: 830
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A65-8F 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Frederick D. Le Blanc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 18, 1985, 8 hours before
- Departed: BROOKLYN, MI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 379 total, 192 in this make and model, 379 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: JXN, 4 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 19860331011039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860331011039A), Mar 31, 1986: Tcraft BC12D, Leslie, MI, Substantial damage. Heard a clunk from engine compartment, lost power. Stalled landing in field. Spark plug missing, had backed out.

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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