TAYLORCRAFT BC12-D
Southbridge, MA — April 18, 2009
Event Information
| Date | April 18, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA09CA251 |
| Event ID | 20090419X13810 |
| Location | Southbridge, MA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 42.08042, -72.03005 |
| Airport | Southbridge Municipal Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | TAYLORCRAFT |
| Model | BC12-D |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusting wind conditions.
Full Narrative
As the pilot raised the tail of his tailwheel airplane during the takeoff roll on runway 2, successive gusts of wind caused the airplane to "weathervane" to the left. The airplane did not respond to the pilot's input of "full right rudder" and continued off the side of the runway. The pilot, expecting that he would roll onto the grass, reduced the power to idle. As he rolled onto the grass a gust of wind lifted the tail of the airplane higher; the propeller struck the ground and the airplane continued over onto its back. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and tail. Neither the pilot nor the passenger aboard received injuries. The reported weather at a nearby airport, about the time of the accident, included winds from 290 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 17 knots. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.