Pilot Debrief

TAYLORCRAFT BC12-D near Southbridge, MA — 2009-04-18

Final reportERA09CA251
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Date
2009-04-18
Location
Southbridge, MA, USA
Airport
3B0
Aircraft
TAYLORCRAFT BC12-D
Registration
N96552
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusting wind conditions.

NTSB narrative

As the pilot raised the tail of his tailwheel-equipped airplane during the takeoff roll on runway 2, successive gusts of wind caused the airplane to "weathervane" to the left. The airplane did not respond to the pilot's input of "full right rudder" and continued off the side of the runway. The pilot, expecting that he would roll onto the grass, reduced the power to idle. As he rolled onto the grass a gust of wind lifted the tail of the airplane higher; the propeller struck the ground and the airplane continued over onto its back. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and tail. Neither the pilot nor the passenger aboard received injuries. The reported weather at a nearby airport, about the time of the accident, included winds from 290 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 17 knots. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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