# NTSB MIA94LA202: Taylorcraft BC-12-D, N39283, Punta Gorda, FL, August 30, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 30, 1994, 09:40 local (13:40 UTC)
- Place: Punta Gorda, FL
- Coordinates: 26.620326, -81.879585 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.6203&lon=-81.8796&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor; on the ground: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 13, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37594
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA94LA202
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37594/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA94LA202

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO TIEDOWN THE AIRPLANE PRIOR TO ATTEMPTING AN ENGINE START BY HAND PROPPING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S COMPLACENCY.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, standing - starting engine(s)
  - tie down - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - complacency, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PILOT MADE A DECISION TO HAND PROP THE AIRPLANE TO START THE ENGINE WITHOUT TIEDOWNS, CHOCKS, OR BRAKES. A PASSERBY STATED THAT HE WOULD HOLD THE TAIL. THE PILOT HAND PROPPED THE ENGINE AND IT STARTED. THE PASSERBY THEN LET GO OF THE TAIL. THE PILOT, THE PASSERBY AND ANOTHER PERSON ALL ATTEMPTED TO GRAB THE AIRPLANE AND ALL RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES BEFORE THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A HANGAR AND A CAR AND CAME TO REST.

## Factual narrative

On August 30, 1994, about 0940 eastern daylight time, N39283 was substantially damaged on starting attempt, at Charlotte County Airport, Punta Gorda, Florida. The airplane was registered to EZ Flying Club Inc., and was attempting to initiate a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the proposed local flight. The airplane, a car, and a hangar were substantially damaged and three people on the ramp received minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time.

The pilot decided to hand prop the airplane engine without tiedowns, chocks, or brakes being used. One ramp person was holding the tail and the pilot hand prop started the engine. The engine started and the ramp person let go of the airplane. As the airplane spun around on the ramp the pilot and another person attempted to grab it. All three people received minor injuries during their attempts. The airplane then struck a car and a hangar and came to rest.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N39283](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N39283-2018-07-12), registration cancelled 2018-07-12, S/N 6537, built 1945 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: TAYLORCRAFT BC-12-D
- 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: 6537
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-B 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Harold O. Preston
- Registered owner: Ez Flying Club Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: PGD, Charlotte County

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 74; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 2,969 total, 150 in this make and model, 12 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 75 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FMY, 17 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 19940830024059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940830024059A), Aug 30, 1994: Tcraft BC12D, Punta Gorda, FL, Substantial damage. Hand propped without securing aircraft. Started spun around injuring pilot and ground persons. Hit car and hangar.

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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