# NTSB CHI86LA139: Taylorcraft DC-65, N48102, Plainwell, MI, May 10, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 10, 1986, 11:40 local (15:40 UTC)
- Place: Plainwell, MI
- Coordinates: 42.439243, -85.639198 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.4392&lon=-85.6392&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13460
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86LA139
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13460/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86LA139

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff
  - planning/decision - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - aborted takeoff - initiated, pilot in command
  - aborted takeoff - not performed, pilot in command
  - airspeed - not obtained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - performed
  - stall/mush
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not attained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

WHILE DEPARTING TO THE NORTH IN LIGHT WIND CONDITIONS, THE PILOT MADE A DECISION TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF, THEN REALIZED HE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO STOP ON THE REMAINING RUNWAY. HE ATTEMPTED TO CONTINUE THE TAKEOFF. HE ZOOMED THE AIRCRAFT TO CLEAR WIRES IN HIS PATH, BUT WAS UNABLE TO ATTAIN SUFFICIENT AIRSPEED TO PREVENT STALLING INTO TREES AT THE END OF THE RUNWAY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N48102](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N48102), registered now, S/N 4974, built 1943 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: TAYLORCRAFT DC-65
- Registry model: [Taylorcraft DC-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/taylorcraft-dc-65) (registry code 8850402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Airframe hours: 2369
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Harold A. Combs
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 2, 1985
- Airport: Pvt Strip, runway 36, 1,800 ×  ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 303 total, 263 in this make and model, 263 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 75 °F

## 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 19860510016779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860510016779A), May 10, 1986: Tcrafk DCO65TCRAFT, Plainwell, MI, Substantial damage. The pilot aborted the takeoff, changed his mind and continued. The aircraft stalled into trees. Short sod runway.

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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