N95514

Substantial
Minor

Taylorcraft BC12S/N: 7814

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
NTSB Number
GAA18CA533
Location
Cut Bank, MT
Event ID
20180904X32816
Coordinates
48.659721, -112.496109
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 see and avoid power wires while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inability to determine the airplane’s altitude due to sun glare.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
TAYLORCRAFT
Serial Number
7814
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1946
Model / ICAO
BC12TAYB
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
BC12-D

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
SKIERKA LEO F
Address
HC 72 BOX 140
City
BROWNING
State / Zip Code
MT 59417-9717
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that, while flying west to check some fields and circle a friend's house, he began a right, descending turn about 200 ft above ground. He added that he was aware of power wires in the area, but the sun was in his eyes and the airplane was lower than he thought. The airplane struck power wires and the airplane impacted terrain.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA533