# NTSB IAD96LA073: Taylorcraft BCS-65, N29591, Wolfeboro, NH, May 9, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 9, 1996, 11:50 local (15:50 UTC) - Place: Wolfeboro, NH - Location: 43.5936° N, 71.2116° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Wolfeboro, NH, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.5936&lon=-71.2116&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed, report December 16, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 28047 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=IAD96LA073 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28047/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD96LA073 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to maintain control and altitude of the seaplane while circling to draw attention before landing on the lake. A related factor was that the aircraft was not equipped with a radio. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - comm/nav equipment - not installed (contributing factor) - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled ## Analysis While the pilot was circling the lake in an attempt to get someone's attention to assist him in docking the seaplane, the seaplane collided with trees, and subsequently impacted the ground. The pilot stated that while circling the airplane lost altitude and in an attempt to regain altitude the airplane stalled. ## Factual narrative On May 9, 1996, at about 1150 eastern daylight time, a Taylorcraft BCS-65 seaplane, N29591, operated by Lakes Region Flying Service, collided with trees while circling to land on a lake in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. The pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, no flight plan was filed. The local flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, at about 1130. The pilot stated that when he landed the seaplane on the lake just prior to the accident flight, he noted that the water was quite rough. Because the winds were strong, he decided that he would need assistance to tie off the aircraft at the dock. However, when he approached the dock, there was no one around to help. The pilot said that since the seaplane was not equipped with a communication radio, he was unable to radio for assistance. He elected to takeoff again and circle the lake in an attempt to get someone's attention to assist in docking the airplane. The pilot planned to circle the lake while changing the throttle settings to signal for help from ground personnel. After the second trip around the lake, he realized that the seaplane was loosing altitude, so he raised the nose of the seaplane, then pushed the throttle in "...too rapidly." The pilot reported that he believed the airplane stalled. The airplane impacted trees and the ground. Witnesses said that although they were not specifically paying attention to the airplane, they did not recall hearing any unusual sounds until the aircraft struck some trees and crashed. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N29591](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N29591-2013-07-09), registration cancelled 2013-07-09, S/N 2434, built 1940 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Taylorcraft BCS-65 - Registry model: [Taylorcraft BC-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/taylorcraft-bc-65) (registry code 8850306) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 2434 - Airframe hours: 4438 - Engines: Continental A-65-8F 65 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Lakes Region Aviation, Inc., doing business as Lakes Region Flying Service - Registered owner: Ralph M. & E. B. Horn - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, April 6, 1996, 11 hours before - Departed: NH ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 37; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 1,800 total, 30 in this make and model, 1,500 as pilot in command, 75 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 90° at 10 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft overcast - Temperature: 61 °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 19960509010129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960509010129A), May 9, 1996: Tcraft BC65, Wolfeboro, NH, Substantial damage. Hit trees circling to land on a lake. Prior landed on lake. Too rough took off circle for help to dock seaplane. 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.