# NTSB NYC92LA066: Taylorcraft BC-12D, N96023, Gibson Island, MD, February 23, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 23, 1992, 09:50 local (14:50 UTC)
- Place: Gibson Island, MD
- Coordinates: 39.070484, -76.4207 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0705&lon=-76.4207&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 13, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37131
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC92LA066
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37131/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92LA066

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE AND CLEARANCE WITH WATER, WHICH RESULTED IN AN IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH WATER.  CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT ALLOWED THE AIRPLANE TO DESCEND WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - descent - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO THE PILOT HE HAD DESCENDED OUT OF 1200 MSL TO 350 FEET INDICATED OVER A RIVER. HE WAS FOLLOWING THE RIVER IN AN EASTERLY DIRECTION AND STARTED A TURN TO THE RIGHT.  THE PILOT SAID, '... I WAS LOOKING TO THE LEFT IN THE TURN WHEN I HEARD THE AIRPLANE STRIKE THE WATER.'

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N96023](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N96023-2017-07-07), registration cancelled 2017-07-07, S/N 8323, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: TAYLORCRAFT BC-12D
- 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: 8323
- Airframe hours: 2226
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8F 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Anthony R. Lee
- Registered owner: Anthony R. Lee
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 2, 1991, 41 hours before
- Departed: AND, ANNOPLIS, MD
- Destination: MD43, LAKESHORE, MD

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 402 total, 286 in this make and model, 402 as pilot in command, 56 in the last 90 days, 21 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19920223003329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920223003329A), Feb 23, 1992: Tcraft BC12D, Gibson Island, MD, Substantial damage. Flew low over river. Dragged a wing in the water. Aircraft flipped over.

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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