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NTSB Report

October 20, 2001 · Taylorcraft BC12-D · N43529

Farmville, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 20, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Farmville, VA
Aircraft
Taylorcraft BC12-D
Tail Number
N43529
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC02LA020

The certified flight instructor (CFI) intended to fly to a local grass strip to provide the private pilot with tail-wheel aircraft instruction. During the takeoff roll, the CFI lost directional control of the airplane and elected to allow the airplane to depart the right side of the runway and slow down in the grass. However, the airplane struck a ditch and flipped over, which damaged the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The CFI did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane and he further stated that wind at the time of the accident was light and variable. Additionally, the CFI was seated in the airplane's right front seat, and airplane was equipped with "foot brakes" at the left front seat pilot station only.

NTSB Probable Cause

The CFI's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff. A factor in the accident was the CFI's decision to conduct the flight from the airplane's right seat, which was not equipped with brakes.

Full Narrative

On October 20, 2001, about 1530 eastern daylight time, a Taylorcraft BC12-D, N43529, was substantially damaged during takeoff from the Farmville Regional Airport, Farmville, Virginia. The certificated flight instructor (CFI) and private pilot were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the instructional flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The airplane was departing runway 21, a 4,400-foot long, 75-foot wide, asphalt runway. The CFI stated he performed the takeoff, and intended to fly to a local grass strip to provide the private pilot with tail-wheel aircraft instruction. The CFI said he "lost directional control" of the airplane during the takeoff roll, and he elected to allow the airplane to depart the right side of the runway and slow down in the grass. However, the airplane struck a ditch and flipped over, which damaged the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The CFI did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane and he further stated that wind at the time of the accident was light and variable. Additionally, the CFI was seated in the airplane's right front seat, and airplane was equipped with "foot-brakes" at the left front seat pilot station only.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 EDT
Nearest AirportFarmville Muni (0nm)
Runway21
Runway Length4400 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftTaylorcraft BC12-D
Tail NumberN43529
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · AC-65 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 61 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 44 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data