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August 17, 2015 · Taylorcraft BC12 D D · N43616

Libby, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 17, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Libby, MT
Aircraft
Taylorcraft BC12 D D (1946)
Tail Number
N43616
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR15LA246

The private pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane stated that, during the landing roll, the airplane began to veer to the left. The pilot used both brake and rudder inputs in an effort to return to the runway centerline; however, despite the pilot's attempts to regain directional control, the airplane continued off the left side of the runway and ground looped. Postaccident examination of the left landing gear and braking system revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

On August 16, 2015, about 1915 mountain daylight time, a Taylorcraft BC-12D, N43616, experienced a brake system malfunction during the landing roll at the Libby Airport, Libby, Montana. A private individual owned the airplane and the pilot was operating it under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The private pilot and passenger were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The cross-country personal flight departed from a remote grass airstrip in Yaak, Montana about 1845 with a planned destination of Libby. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and the pilot had not filed a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan. The pilot stated that after completing the approximate 20 minute flight, he configured the airplane to land on runway 33 at the Libby Airport. Upon touchdown, the airplane began to veer to the left. The pilot used both the brake and rudder inputs in an effort to return to the runway center. Despite the pilot's attempts to regain directional control, the airplane continued off the left side of the runway and ground looped. The airplane incurred substantial damage to the wing spar. The pilot further stated that the loss of directional control was precipitated by a landing gear malfunction. He opined that the left brake likely seized after touchdown, which was evident from the skidmark on the runway surface. The brake system was the original cable-operated drum brake. The left landing gear was locked immediately after the accident, but after several hours was free to turn again. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified airframe and powerplant mechanic examined and disassembled the left landing gear. He stated the examination of the braking system revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. He further stated that he could smell a burned odor from the brake, but they functioned normally.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:15 MDT
Nearest AirportLIBBY (0nm NW)
Runway33
Runway Length5003 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftTaylorcraft BC12 D D
Tail NumberN43616
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental Motors · C85-8F · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 71 · Sprt · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 45 C
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time02:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data