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Taylorcraft hits tree on takeoff

By NTSB · September 7, 2010 ·

This September 2008 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.

Aircraft: Taylorcraft F19. Injuries: None. Location: Harper, Ohio. Aircraft damage: Substantial.

What reportedly happened: The pilot was departing from a private, soft, dirt airstrip. The airstrip’s owner recommended the pilot stay on the left side of the 12-foot-wide airstrip. Immediately after liftoff, the left wing tip hit a tree branch. The plane rotated 90° and hit the ground. The outboard 3 feet of the left wing was crushed by the impact and the fuselage, firewall, and rudder were wrinkled and bent.

Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree during the takeoff initial climb.

For more information: NTSB.gov

About NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant events in the other modes of transportation, including railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space. It determines the probable causes of accidents and issues safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences.

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Comments

  1. Dan Colburn says

    September 9, 2010 at 12:35 am

    Sorry, I can’t help. Ever hear of Harold Krier? He used to put on a heck of an air show with the T-Craft. Outside loops, the whole package. It’s a strong bird.
    Dan Colburn

  2. Elbie Mendenhall says

    September 8, 2010 at 10:11 pm

    Mr. Young,
    On many of the light Classic aircraft if you add anything except lightness you will probably be overweight with two typical US males, especially if you add a heavier engine and wing tanks Rigging, weight, & prop, along with honesty of pilot make a large difference in peformance!
    Still instructing after 49 years flying for a living.

  3. Neal Palmquist says

    September 8, 2010 at 9:13 pm

    I know there is an STC available for 85HP but I’m not sure if there is a 100 HP STC. I have NC43849 that I plan to restore starting 2012 and would also like to upgrade to a 100hp…..let me know if you find out any more 100 HP info.

    NC43849 at 2150 RPM and CK72-42 wood climb prop would do 85 Same ship with a McCalley Metal 76-46 cruise prop @ 2150 RPM would do 90 even but at full gross in hot FL weather made one pucker crossing the 50 foot trees at the “Pig Patch”, a 1600 ft Grass strip.

  4. Ed Yung says

    September 8, 2010 at 9:20 am

    T-Craft is a wonderful plane. Took a few hours dual along with J-3 while working on private early in 1950. Now after 4,600 hours in 45 types (balloon, blimp, amphib, Pitts, Cessnas, jet & turboprop) with most available ratings & licenses I’d like to find a T-Craft & add 100 hp Cont & both wing tanks. Too many numbers when I ask around, & I don’t recall speed, etc. How fast does a T-Craft BC12D actually cruise on 65 hp; & how fast on 100 hp at 65% ???? Does anyone know???
    Thanks, Ed [email protected]

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