N29591

Substantial
Minor

Taylorcraft BCS-65 S/N: 2434

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, May 9, 1996
NTSB Number
IAD96LA073
Location
WOLFEBORO, NH
Event ID
20001208X05788
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
2
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

the pilot's failure to maintain control and altitude of the seaplane while circling to draw attention before landing on the lake. A related factor was that the aircraft was not equipped with a radio.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N29591
Make
TAYLORCRAFT
Serial Number
2434
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1940
Model / ICAO
BCS-65 TAYB
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
HORN RALPH M
Address
PO BOX 485
Status
Deregistered
City
WOLFEBORO
State / Zip Code
NH 03894
Country
United States

Analysis

On May 9, 1996, at about 1150 eastern daylight time, a Taylorcraft BCS-65 seaplane, N29591, operated by Lakes Region Flying Service, collided with trees while circling to land on a lake in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. The pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, no flight plan was filed. The local flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, at about 1130.

The pilot stated that when he landed the seaplane on the lake just prior to the accident flight, he noted that the water was quite rough. Because the winds were strong, he decided that he would need assistance to tie off the aircraft at the dock. However, when he approached the dock, there was no one around to help. The pilot said that since the seaplane was not equipped with a communication radio, he was unable to radio for assistance. He elected to takeoff again and circle the lake in an attempt to get someone's attention to assist in docking the airplane.

The pilot planned to circle the lake while changing the throttle settings to signal for help from ground personnel. After the second trip around the lake, he realized that the seaplane was loosing altitude, so he raised the nose of the seaplane, then pushed the throttle in "...too rapidly." The pilot reported that he believed the airplane stalled. The airplane impacted trees and the ground. Witnesses said that although they were not specifically paying attention to the airplane, they did not recall hearing any unusual sounds until the aircraft struck some trees and crashed.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# IAD96LA073