# NTSB MKC85LA187: Taylorcraft BL-65, N27492, Ottumwa, IA, August 13, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 13, 1985, 14:45 local (19:45 UTC)
- Place: Ottumwa, IA
- Coordinates: 41.009346, -92.409088 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.0093&lon=-92.4091&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34009
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85LA187
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34009/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85LA187

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, cruise
  - object - wire,static
  - buzzing - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water,rough

## Analysis

N27492 COLLIDED WITH UTILITY WIRES WHICH CROSS THE DES MOINES RIVER AND CRASHED INTO THE RIVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N27492](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N27492), registered now, S/N 2134 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: TAYLORCRAFT BL-65
- Registry model: [Taylorcraft BL-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/taylorcraft-bl-65) (registry code 8850350) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-145B series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-145b-series) (registry code 41502, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2134
- Airframe hours: 3200
- Engines: LYCOMING O-145-B2 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John J. Krekovich
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 11, 1985
- Departed: 5C2, BLAKESBURG, IA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 400 total, 400 in this make and model, 300 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: OTM, 5 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 19850813038469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850813038469A), Aug 13, 1985: Tcraft BL65, Ottumwa, IA, Substantial damage. Aircraft collided with wires across a river while at a low altitude then crashed into the river.

## Other investigations on N27492 (2)

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 CEN12LA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA012), Oct 8, 2011: Taylorcraft BL-65 (N27492), Easton, MO, substantial damage. Probable cause: Debris in the fuel system, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Also causal was the pilot not maintaining sufficient airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB MKC73FCG42](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC73FCG42), May 23, 1973: Taylorcraft BL-65 (N27492), Leavenworth, KS, 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.

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