Englewood, CO, USA
N39230
Taylorcraft BC12-D
The pilot stated that he was cleared for landing on runway 28, encountered a strong crosswind during the landing flare, and lost directional control of the aircraft. He drifted left off the side of the runway, continued into a ditch, and nosed over. The pilot reported the wind from 040 degrees at 4 knots, and gusting at 350 degrees at 12 knots. The pilot attributes his loss of control to unfamiliarity in the aircraft.
On April 16, 2005, at 1238 mountain daylight time, a Taylorcraft BC12-D, single engine conventional landing gear airplane, N39230, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it departed the side of the runway and nosed over during landing roll at Centennial Airport (APA), Englewood, Colorado. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal cross-country flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot reported no injuries. The flight originated at Brush, Colorado, at approximately 1130 MDT. The pilot stated that he was cleared for landing on runway 28. He encountered a strong crosswind during the landing flare and he lost control of the aircraft. He drifted left off the side of the runway, continued into a ditch and nosed over. The pilot said aircraft sustained a broken right wing spar, bent rudder, bent prop, and a dented cowl. According to the Pilot Aircraft Accident Report ( NTSB Form 6120.1/2), Recommendations (How could this accident have been prevented?), the pilot reported, "more aircraft familiarity." According to witnesses the airplane touched town on its main landing gear and bounced into the air. The pilot "seemed to overcorrect" as he attempted to regain control of the airplane. The airplane touched down a second time on its main landing gear and then it veered to the left. The airplane departed the left side of runway 28 and nosed over. At 1253, APA (elevation 5883 feet MSL) reported weather conditions with winds of 030 degrees at 7 knots; visibility, 10 statute miles; sky condition, few at 5,000 feet; temperature, 16 degree C.; dew point, 4 degrees C.; altimeter setting, 30.19. The pilot said the winds were at 040 degrees at 4 knots, gusting at 350 degrees at 12 knots; ceiling scattered at 7000 feet AGL; temperature 22 degrees C, dewpoint 12 degrees C; altimeter setting 29.83 .
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing factors were crosswind weather conditions and a lack of familiarity with the aircraft.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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