# NTSB NYC97LA146: Taylorcraft DCO-65, N47282, Charleston, WV, June 21, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 21, 1997, 07:00 local (11:00 UTC) - Place: Charleston, WV - Coordinates: 38.389297, -81.599624 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.3893&lon=-81.5996&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 26, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 39403 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC97LA146 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39403/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97LA146 ## Probable cause the pilot's inadequate compensation for unfavorable (variable) wind conditions, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. The wind condition and proximity of a hangar were related factors. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, landing - flare/touchdown - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor) - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - ground loop/swerve - On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll - object - hangar/airport building (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot departed on a local personal flight and returned for landing. During the approach, the pilot performed a left slip to accelerate the descent and align with the runway. The airplane touched down with sideward movement and the left wingtip struck the ground. The airplane pulled to the left, and the pilot corrected with an application of right rudder. The airplane departed the right side of the runway and collided with a hangar. ## Factual narrative On June 21, 1997, at 0700 eastern daylight time, a Taylorcraft DCO-65, N47282, was substantially damaged during landing at the Mallory Airport (WV12), Charleston, West Virginia. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that originated at WV12, about 0650. No flight plan was filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In a written statement, the pilot reported: "I was approaching to land at Mallory Airport over Rock Lake. I slipped to the left to [lose] altitude and get on the center line. The aircraft touched down while still moving sideways and touched the left wing tip on the ground. This pulled the aircraft to the left and I applied right rudder to correct. The aircraft then left the runway to the right and impacted a half-built hanger." The weather reported at Charleston International Airport, 7 miles east of WV12, was calm wind and clear sky above some ground fog with 5 miles visibility. In a written statement, the pilot reported there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N47282](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N47282-2013-03-18), registration cancelled 2013-03-18, S/N 5182, built 1943 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Taylorcraft DCO-65 - Registry model: [Taylorcraft DCO-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/taylorcraft-dco-65) (registry code 8850408) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental A&C75 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c75-series) (registry code 17005, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: L-5182 - Engines: Continental A&C75 75 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Fred S. Mason - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, May 21, 1997, 10 hours before - Departed: WV12 - Airport: WV12, Mallory, runway 33, 2,000 × 24 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 210 total, 160 in this make and model, 160 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Visibility: 5 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 63 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: CRW, 7 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 19970621047329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970621047329A), Jun 21, 1997: Southcharleston, WV, Substantial damage. (-16) Pilot lost control of aircraft after touching down from a slip. Aircraft departed runway and struck hangar posts. ## Other investigations on N47282 (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 NYC78FGM04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC78FGM04), Oct 15, 1977: Taylorcraft L-2M (N47282), Finleyville, PA, 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.