# NTSB FTW99LA078: Taylorcraft BC12-D1, N44174, Daingerfield, TX, February 2, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: February 2, 1999, 16:15 local (22:15 UTC) - Place: Daingerfield, TX - Coordinates: 33.029479, -94.720619 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.0295&lon=-94.7206&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report December 4, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 45764 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW99LA078 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/45764/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99LA078 ## Probable cause An undetermined airframe malfunction which rendered the aircraft uncontrollable. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - airframe - undetermined (cause) - Loss of control - in flight, cruise - aircraft control - not possible, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled ## Analysis The 1946 model airplane impacted trees following a loss of control. The pilot stated that the airplane was in cruise flight at 2,100 feet MSL, when he heard a 'loud pop.' The airplane spiraled to the left about 2.5 times before impacting trees. An aircraft mechanic and FAA inspector found the left wing cross brace wires loose, but could not determine if the loose wires were a pre-impact condition. They also found an aileron bolt installed upside down, 'causing it to rub against the wing.' The pilot could not remember if the aileron movement was restricted; he could only remember using full right rudder in attempt to keep the airplane level. Photographs of the airplane in the tree reveal that the ailerons were positioned for a right turn. ## Factual narrative On February 2, 1999, at 1615 central standard time, a Taylorcraft BC12-D1 tail-wheel equipped airplane, N44174, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees following a loss of control during cruise flight near Daingerfield, Texas. The airline transport pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by C&B Aircraft of Powderly, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 ferry flight and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from the Shreveport Regional Airport, Shreveport, Louisiana, at 1507, and was destined for Paris, Texas. According to the pilot, the airplane was in cruise flight at 2,100 feet MSL, when he heard a "loud pop." Subsequently, the airplane entered a "flat spiral to the left." The airplane spiraled 2.5 times before it impacted 75-foot trees and came to rest suspended in tree limbs 25 feet above the ground. The pilot exited the airplane and climbed down the tree unassisted. An FAA inspector examined the airplane and reported that a wing spar was damaged and the propeller was destroyed. The fuselage, aft of the cockpit, was structurally damaged. In the enclosed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot stated that "the cause of the accident was structural failure." According to an aircraft mechanic, who examined the airplane in the presence of the FAA inspector, the left wing cross brace wires were found loose and intact, but he could not say with certainty if the loose wires were a pre-impact condition. The mechanic also stated that a bolt in the right aileron had been installed upside down, "causing it to rub against the wing." He could not determine if the bolt had restricted the pilot's ability to move the ailerons. The pilot could not remember if the aileron movement was restricted; he could only remember applying full right rudder in an attempt to keep the airplane from rolling left inverted. Photographs of the airplane in the tree show the ailerons positioned for a turn to the right (right aileron full up and left aileron full down). According to the airplane's maintenance records, the last annual inspection on the engine and airframe was completed on November 15, 1998. Total time on the 1946 model airplane was reported at 1,632 hours. No other pertinent maintenance entries were noted. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N44174](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N44174-2013-08-15), registration cancelled 2013-08-15, S/N 9974, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Taylorcraft BC12-D1 - 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: 9974 - Airframe hours: 1632 - Engines: Continental A-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Ferry, Part 91 - Registered owner: Kenny W. Helm - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, November 15, 1998, 8 hours before - Departed: SHV, SHREVEPORT, LA - Destination: PRX, PARIS, TX ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 33; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,980 total, 18 in this make and model, 2,480 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 320° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 43 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: TXK, 38 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 19990202000989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990202000989A), Feb 2, 1999: Tcraft BC12D1, Daingerfield, TX, Substantial damage. Acft went into a spin for unknown reasons while on a ferry flight. The pilot could not recover, and the acft crashed into some trees. Other circumstances are… ## Other investigations on N44174 (1) 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. - [NTSB FTW79FPD11](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW79FPD11), Mar 27, 1979: Taylorcraft BC12-D (N44174), Forestburg, TX, substantial damage 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.