Pilot Debrief

TAYLORCRAFT BC12 near Buffalo, NY — 2022-09-24

Final reportERA22LA430
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Date
2022-09-24
Location
Buffalo, NY, USA
Airport
D51
Aircraft
TAYLORCRAFT BC12
Registration
N5619M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during initial climb after a go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin at low altitude.

NTSB narrative

The vintage tailwheel airplane was on final approach to the runway in a left crosswind. A witness, who was also president of the airport flying club, was mowing grass adjacent to the runway and saw the accident. He stated that the airplane approached the runway low and was “crabbing hard” to the left. The pilot then initiated a go-around. The engine noise increased, but the airplane attempted a go-around at a 90° left angle to the runway. The airplane cleared trees, experienced a “power on stall,” and descended nose first into a grove. The pilot reported that he was injured in the accident and did not remember anything after being 25 ft over the runway on approach; however, he reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The inspector noted substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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