# NTSB CHI91LA298: Taylorcraft BC-12D, N96905, Sunset Hills, MO, September 26, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 26, 1991, 07:15 local (12:15 UTC)
- Place: Sunset Hills, MO
- Coordinates: 38.530796, -90.449485 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5308&lon=-90.4495&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 25, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15189
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91LA298
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15189/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA298

## Probable cause

A BLOCKED FUEL SYSTEM LINE AND INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE OF THE AIRPLANE BY OTHER MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - fuel system,line - blocked(total) (cause)
  - maintenance,service of aircraft/equipment - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - starvation
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - vehicle

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED A COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF. HE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE, AND MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A PARKING LOT, STRIKING TWO PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED CARS.  EXAMINATION OF THE FUEL SYSTEM DISCLOSED A FUEL LINE CLOGGED WITH A MATERIAL BELIEVED TO BE GASKET SEALANT.  THE BLOCKED LINE PREVENTED FUEL FROM FLOWING TO THE CARBURETOR.  THE  PILOT RECENTLY PURCHASED THE AIRPLANE AND COULD OFFER NO EXPLANATION FOR THE PRESENCE OF FOREIGN MATERIAL IN THE FUEL LINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N96905](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N96905), registered now, S/N 9205 (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: 9205
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Bryan H. Strait
- Last inspection: Annual, January 2, 2000
- Departed: 3WE, FENTON, MO
- Destination: GO6, GREENVILLE, IL
- Airport: Unk

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 141 total, 13 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SUS, 11 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 19910926043179A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910926043179A), Sep 26, 1991: Tcraft BC12D, St Louis, MO, Substantial damage. Engine quit shortly after takeoff. Landing in parking lot struck vehicles. Sealant from gas tank clogged fuel line.

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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