Pilot Debrief

TAYLORCRAFT BC12-D near Trojan, SD — 2024-09-07

Final reportCEN24LA341
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Date
2024-09-07
Location
Trojan, SD, USA
Aircraft
TAYLORCRAFT BC12-D
Registration
N95078
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power due to a loose magneto and subsequent impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while enroute the engine sustained a partial loss of power. The pilot attempted to restore engine power by applying carburetor heat, adjusting the mixture, and checking the fuel control valve. The pilot’s troubleshooting efforts were unsuccessful, and the airplane was unable to maintain altitude. The pilot descended into a wooded valley and conducted a forced landing into the treetops. The airplane came to rest inverted and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the hold-down nuts on the right magneto were loose, and the magneto could rotate freely by hand. It is likely that the loose magneto detrimentally affected ignition, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have conducted a precautionary landing before losing altitude.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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