# NTSB SEA89LA106: Taylorcraft BC-12D, N39976, Longbranch, WA, June 12, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 12, 1989, 15:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Longbranch, WA
- Coordinates: 47.199111, -122.760955 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.1991&lon=-122.7610&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 22, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41028
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA89LA106
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41028/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA106

## Probable cause

THE POOR IN-FLIGHT DECISION BY THE PILOT TO LAND ON WATER, DOWNWIND. HIS FAILURE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE WIND CONDITIONS RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND NOSE OVER OF THE AIRPLANE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - compensation for wind conditions - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

WHILE PRACTICING WATER LANDINGS FOR HIS INITIAL FLOATPLANE RATING, THE RECENTLY CERTIFIED PRIVATE PILOT LOST CONTROL AFTER TOUCHDOWN ON WATER, AND THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER. THE PILOT REPORTED HE ATTEMPTED TO LAND TO THE SOUTH AND A WX OBSERVATION FOR THE AREA LISTED THE WINDS FROM THE NORTHEAST.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N39976](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N39976-2018-01-18), registration cancelled 2018-01-18, S/N 6635, 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&C75 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c75-series) (registry code 17005, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 6635
- Airframe hours: 3426
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Frank Bowen
- Registered owner: Mark & Bowen Scott
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 24, 1989
- Departed: TACOMA, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 99 total, 18 in this make and model, 40 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 20° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TIW, 8 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 19890612015459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890612015459A), Jun 12, 1989: Tcraft BC12D, Long Branch, WA, Substantial damage. Reported gust of wind caused a float to dig in while landing on water. Floatplane nosed over.

## Other investigations on N39976 (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 SEA91FA121](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91FA121), Jun 2, 1991: Taylorcraft BC-12-D (N39976), Naches, WA, destroyed, 1 fatal. Probable cause: THE IN FLIGHT PHYSICAL INCAPACITATION OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND.

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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