# NTSB SEA91FA121: Taylorcraft BC-12-D, N39976, Naches, WA, June 2, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 2, 1991, 14:32 local (21:32 UTC)
- Place: Naches, WA
- Coordinates: 46.779514, -120.879486 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.7795&lon=-120.8795&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report February 8, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41319
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91FA121
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41319/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91FA121

## Probable cause

THE IN FLIGHT PHYSICAL INCAPACITATION OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - aircraft control - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
  - incapacitation(stroke), pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACRFT ABRUPTLY PITCHED NOSE DOWN DURING INITIAL CLIMB AFTER TAKEOFF FROM A LAKE, DESCENDED UNCONTROLLED AND IMPACTED WATER.  THE POST ACCIDENT MEDICAL EXAM OF THE PILOT REVEALED THE PILOT DIED AS A RESULT OF A STROKE.

## 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-12-D
- 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
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12F 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Paul R. Allard
- Registered owner: Paul R. Allard
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: NONE, NACHES, WA
- Destination: NONE, GIG HARBOR, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,341 total, 30 in this make and model, 1,282 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 16 knots, gusting 23
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 41 °F
- Altimeter: 27.00 inHg
- Observed at: YKM, 25 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 19910602018479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910602018479A), Jun 2, 1991: Tcraft BC12D, Naches, WA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Pilot suffered fatal stroke on climbout from a lake in severe turbulence. Stalled and dropped into lake.

## 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 SEA89LA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA106), Jun 12, 1989: Taylorcraft BC-12D (N39976), Longbranch, WA, substantial damage. 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.

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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