N44174

On February 2, 1999, at 1615 central standard time, a Taylorcraft BC12-D1 tail-wheel equipped airplane, N44174, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees following a loss of control during cruise flight near Daingerfield, Texas. The airline transport pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by C&B Aircraft of Powderly, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 ferry flight and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from the Shreveport Regional Airport, Shreveport, Louisiana, at 1507, and was destined for Paris, Texas.

According to the pilot, the airplane was in cruise flight at 2,100 feet MSL, when he heard a "loud pop." Subsequently, the airplane entered a "flat spiral to the left." The airplane spiraled 2.5 times before it impacted 75-foot trees and came to rest suspended in tree limbs 25 feet above the ground. The pilot exited the airplane and climbed down the tree unassisted.

An FAA inspector examined the airplane and reported that a wing spar was damaged and the propeller was destroyed. The fuselage, aft of the cockpit, was structurally damaged. In the enclosed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot stated that "the cause of the accident was structural failure."

According to an aircraft mechanic, who examined the airplane in the presence of the FAA inspector, the left wing cross brace wires were found loose and intact, but he could not say with certainty if the loose wires were a pre-impact condition. The mechanic also stated that a bolt in the right aileron had been installed upside down, "causing it to rub against the wing." He could not determine if the bolt had restricted the pilot's ability to move the ailerons. The pilot could not remember if the aileron movement was restricted; he could only remember applying full right rudder in an attempt to keep the airplane from rolling left inverted. Photographs of the airplane in the tree show the ailerons positioned for a turn to the right (right aileron full up and left aileron full down).

According to the airplane's maintenance records, the last annual inspection on the engine and airframe was completed on November 15, 1998. Total time on the 1946 model airplane was reported at 1,632 hours. No other pertinent maintenance entries were noted.