TAYLORCRAFT BC12-D near Palmer, AK — 2023-09-13

Probable cause

The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall; loss of airplane control; and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while attempting to climb and turn out of a narrow valley in an area of mountainous terrain, the airplane’s control inputs felt sluggish. Realizing that the airplane might stall, the pilot stopped the turn to avoid a stall but continued to climb to avoid rising terrain ahead. Subsequently, the airplane stalled and impacted terrain, sustaining substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Aerodynamic stall/spin · Maneuvering
• Maneuvering Stall
• Decision Making / Judgment

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