Pilot Debrief

TAYLORCRAFT BC12 near Ozark, AR — 2025-08-09

Final reportCEN25LA312
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Date
2025-08-09
Location
Ozark, AR, USA
Airport
51AR
Aircraft
TAYLORCRAFT BC12
Registration
N95356
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree which resulted in the right wing impacting the tree and a subsequent collision with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to operate the airplane at a low altitude over trees.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to operate the airplane at a low altitude over trees.

NTSB narrative

The airplane departed from the backcountry airstrip, located in a national forest, with the intent of repositioning to another nearby backcountry airstrip by a river. Both privately-owned backcountry airstrips are located on the same property. While on the downwind leg, the pilot performed a turn to establish himself on the base leg. During the turn, the right wing impacted a standing dead tree with no leaves. The airplane came to rest on its right side in a forested area. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and the empennage. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot noted that the accident could have been prevented by operating at a higher altitude and paying more attention to the airplane’s proximity to the trees in the area.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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