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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

September 5, 2018 · Taylorcraft BC12 D · N95514

Cut Bank, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 5, 2018
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Cut Bank, MT
Aircraft
Taylorcraft BC12 D (1946)
Tail Number
N95514
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA533

The pilot reported that, while flying west to check some fields and circle a friend's house, he began a right, descending turn about 200 ft above ground level. He added that he was aware of power wires in the area, but the sun was in his eyes, and the airplane was lower than he thought. The airplane struck power wires and then impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to see and avoid power wires while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inability to determine the airplane’s altitude due to sun glare.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, while flying west to check some fields and circle a friend's house, he began a right, descending turn about 200 ft above ground. He added that he was aware of power wires in the area, but the sun was in his eyes and the airplane was lower than he thought. The airplane struck power wires and the airplane impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:20 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftTaylorcraft BC12 D
Tail NumberN95514
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C65 · Reciprocating · 75
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 25 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind110° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 34 C
Altimeter30.22 inHg
Observation Time01:56
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data