Taylorcraft BC12D-4-85 N43459

Summary

On 7 April 2000 at about 15:45 local time, a Taylorcraft BC12D-4-85 registered N43459 was involved in an accident near Dameron, Maryland, United States. 2 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

7 April 2000 at 15:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Dameron, Maryland, United States

Nearest airport

Wingfield Airport (MD01)

Coordinates

38.1505, -76.3601

Aircraft

Taylorcraft BC12D-4-85

Registration

N43459

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Unknown

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

IAD00FA034

Nobody was injured.

The failure of the float landing gear system due to non-standard repairs, improper modifications, and corrosion.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

During an evaluation flight for a seaplane rating, the pilot-applicant approached the water for landing. The seaplane landed on calm water, left float first. The seaplane continued a short distance on the surface before the floats separated, and the airplane contacted the water. The EDO model 01320 floats were manufactured April 24, 1946. Examination of the maintenance records revealed that the airplane was stored for 10 years, with the floats and the wings removed. The owner stated that he did not disassemble the spreader bars from the floats for inspection, prior to reassembly of the airplane. Examination of the wreckage revealed the left aft spreader bar mount was attached to the left float. The upper and lower spreader bar mount straps were intact, with three spreader bar strap bolts inside. However, no portion of the spreader bar remained between the straps. Examination of the spreader bar mount bolts revealed heavy corrosion. No scraping, scoring, scratching, or sanding of the bolt surfaces were noted. All three bolts revealed a slight bend, with the bolt heads deflected inboard. Examination of the components revealed modifications not depicted in the manufacturer's parts diagram, and several repairs. The aft right lower spreader strap had a repair weld, and was broken in the area of the weld.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.