# NTSB ERA12CA547: Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P92 Tail Dragger, N237TA, Elizabethtown, KY, September 5, 2012

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: September 5, 2012, 16:28 local (20:28 UTC)
- Place: Elizabethtown, KY
- Coordinates: 37.685001, -85.921669 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.6850&lon=-85.9217&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report February 14, 2013
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation
- Parties: FAA/FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 84947
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA12CA547
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/84947/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=84947
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12CA547

## Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the tailwheel-equipped airplane during a takeoff in gusty crosswind conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to take off in gusty wind conditions associated with approaching thunderstorms.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Performance/control parameters](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P92 TAIL DRAGGER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000/cases.md?model=060009I), [All aircraft, 1,269 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000/cases.md)
- [Wind: gusts](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P92 TAIL DRAGGER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md?model=060009I), [All aircraft, 1,199 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md)
- [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P92 TAIL DRAGGER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=060009I), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md)
- [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P92 TAIL DRAGGER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=060009I), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md)
- [Convective weather: thunderstorm](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03033010): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Contributed to outcome (probable cause); cases with it: [Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P92 TAIL DRAGGER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03033010/cases.md?model=060009I), [All aircraft, 100 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03033010/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Takeoff: Windshear or thunderstorm](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/390); cases with it: [Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P92 TAIL DRAGGER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/390/sequence.md?model=060009I), [All aircraft, 224 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/390/sequence.md)
- [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P92 TAIL DRAGGER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=060009I), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md)
- [Takeoff: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P92 TAIL DRAGGER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=060009I), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md)
- [Takeoff: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P92 TAIL DRAGGER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=060009I), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md)
- [Takeoff: Nose over/nose down](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096); cases with it: [Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P92 TAIL DRAGGER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md?model=060009I), [All aircraft, 2,287 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The pilot stated that during the takeoff roll in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, just after he raised the tail to a level attitude, the airplane yawed slightly to the right. As the pilot was correcting for the right yaw, an “extreme wind gust” struck the airplane, and the airplane pitched nose-up and began to roll left. Despite the pilot’s efforts to regain directional control, the airplane departed the left side of the runway into a bean field where it nosed over. The airplane came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He further stated that the accident would have been avoided if he had delayed his departure until the approaching weather system had passed. Weather radar data revealed that at the time of the accident a line of thunderstorms, associated with a front, were approaching the airport from the west and were observed over the airport about 8 minutes after the accident. The recorded wind at the time of the accident was from 320 degrees at 23 knots with a peak wind of 27 knots.

## Factual narrative

The pilot initiated the takeoff roll in the tailwheel equipped airplane, raised the tail to a level attitude, and the airplane yawed to the right. The airplane’s nose pitched up and the airplane began to roll left, at which point the pilot attempted to regain directional control; however, the airplane departed the left side of the runway into a bean field. The pilot reduced engine power to idle and utilized the wheel brakes; however, the airplane subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted which resulted in substantial damage to the outboard section of the right wing and the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Weather radar data revealed that about the time of the accident a line of thunderstorms, associated with a front, were approaching the airport from the west and were observed over the airport about 8 minutes after the accident. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the recorded winds at the time of the accident were 320 degrees at 23 knots with peak winds of 27 knots.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N237TA](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N237TA), registered now, S/N 1414, built 2012 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: COSTRUZIONI AERONAUTICHE TECNA P92 TAIL DRAGGER
- Registry model: [Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P92 TAIL DRAGGER](https://openairdocs.org/model/costruzioni-aeronautiche-tecna-p92-tail-dragger) (registry code 060009I) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1414
- Airframe hours: 20
- Engines: Lycoming YO-233-BTA 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Special light-sport (Special)
- Last inspection: Condition, July 18, 2012, 18 hours before
- Departed: EKX, Elizabethtown, KY
- Destination: MVN, Mount Vernon, IL
- Airport: EKX, Addington Field Airport, runway 23, 6,001 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; injuries: minor; flight instructor, commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review October 12, 2011; seat: left; flight hours: 9,800 total, 19 in this make and model, 9,530 as pilot in command, 48 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,800 ft broken
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.88 inHg
- Observed at: FTK, 12 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 20120905019609A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20120905019609A), Sep 5, 2012: Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P92 TAIL DRAGGER, Elizabethtown, KY, Substantial damage. Aircraft accident after take-off apparently due to excessive cross winds from thunderstorms approaching Addington Field (ekx) from the west. According to ekx…

## Docket (10 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on December 27, 2012, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=84947. 7.2 MB in all.

- Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 1.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40377265&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF
- Pilot Writtent Statement to FAA (item 2, .PDF, 113 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40376795&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%20Writtent%20Statement%20to%20FAA-Redacted.PDF
- Memorandum for Record - Pilot (item 3, .PDF, 114 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40376886&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20Record%20-%20Pilot-Redacted.PDF
- Memorandum of Record - Operator (item 4, .PDF, 113 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40377872&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20of%20Record%20-%20Operator-Redacted.PDF
- Memorandum of Record - FAA Inspector Viewing of Recorded Weather at Airport (item 5, .PDF, 75 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40377876&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20of%20Record%20-%20FAA%20Inspector%20Viewing%20of%20Recorded%20Weather%20at%20Airport-Master.PDF
- Memorandum of Record - Ft. Knox, KY Weather (item 6, .PDF, 123 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40376659&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20of%20Record%20-%20Ft.%20Knox,%20KY%20Weather-Master.PDF
- Nexrad Weather Radar Images - Elizabethtown, KY (item 7, .PDF, 1.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40377098&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Nexrad%20Weather%20Radar%20Images%20-%20Elizabethtown,%20KY-Master.PDF
- Wreckage Diagram (Courtesy of the FAA) (item 8, .PDF, 2.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40376787&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Wreckage%20Diagram%20(Courtesy%20of%20the%20FAA)-Master.PDF
- Photo 1: Airplane At Rest (Courtesy of the FAA) (item 9, .PDF, 550 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40376657&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%3A%20Airplane%20At%20Rest%20(Courtesy%20of%20the%20FAA)-Master.PDF
- Photo 2: Damage to Left Wing Strut (Courtesy of the FAA) (item 10, .PDF, 943 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40376658&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%3A%20Damage%20to%20Left%20Wing%20Strut%20(Courtesy%20of%20the%20FAA)-Master.PDF

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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