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NTSB Report

December 30, 2020 · Taylorcraft BC12 D · N96540

Topping, VA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 30, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Topping, VA
Aircraft
Taylorcraft BC12 D (1946)
Tail Number
N96540
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA21LA096

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane was practicing a power-off landing to a grass area parallel to a paved runway. The pilot stated that during the landing, the airplane pulled to the right and he was able to compensate for that with the application of hard left rudder. Then the airplane veered hard to the left, and the pilot was unable to correct with application of opposite rudder. The airplane then ground looped and nosed over. The airplane’s right wing, vertical stabilizer, and rudder were substantially damaged during the accident. Postaccident examination of the airplane’s flight controls by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that they operated through their normal range of movement and displayed no binding. Additionally, the airplane’s brakes were tested by the inspector, who found that with the exception that the pedal pressure of the right brake was weaker than that of the left brake, the brakes operated normally with no binding noted. A subsequent examination of the brakes performed by a mechanic found that the right brake pedal return spring was missing and that there was evidence of rubbing at the wheel cylinders at the cable to pin connections. No other issues were noted. Given this information, it is unlikely that any mechanical issues of either the flight control or braking system contributed to the loss of control during landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing, with resulted in a ground loop and subsequent nose over.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane was practicing a power-off landing to a grass area parallel to a paved runway. The pilot stated that during the landing, the airplane pulled to the right and he was able to compensate for that with the application of hard left rudder. Then the airplane veered hard to the left, and the pilot was unable to correct with application of opposite rudder. The airplane then ground looped and nosed over. The airplane’s right wing, vertical stabilizer, and rudder were substantially damaged during the accident. Postaccident examination of the airplane’s flight controls by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that they operated through their normal range of movement and displayed no binding. Additionally, the airplane’s brakes were tested by the inspector, who found that with the exception that the pedal pressure of the right brake was weaker than that of the left brake, the brakes operated normally with no binding noted. A subsequent examination of the brakes performed by a mechanic found that the right brake pedal return spring was missing and that there was evidence of rubbing at the wheel cylinders at the cable to pin connections. No other issues were noted. Given this information, it is unlikely that any mechanical issues of either the flight control or braking system contributed to the loss of control during landing.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 EST
Nearest AirportHummel Field (0nm N)
Runway1
Runway Length2167 ft
Runway Width45 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftTaylorcraft BC12 D
Tail NumberN96540
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-65-8 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

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

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 F / 28 F
Altimeter30.44 inHg
Observation Time11:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data