Taylorcraft BC12-D N43524 accident near Murray, Iowa

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering at a low altitude.

NTSB analysis

In his written statement the pilot wrote that he has no recollection of the events on the day of the accident. During a telephone interview he stated that he and the passenger went flying to survey farm land and cattle. He stated that they were flying at an altitude of 1,000 feet and would descend to 500 feet to look at fences. The only recollection the passenger has is that they circled his house a couple times then turned to the west. The accident occurred approximately 600 feet west of the passenger’s property. One witness reported that the airplane made several turns then headed west at an altitude of about 75 feet above the ground prior to it veering right and descending to the ground. Another witness reported the airplane flew right over her car prior to flying back and forth over a field. She stated that the airplane then made a “nose dive straight into the ground.” The airplane impacted the ground in a nose-down attitude. Inspection of the wreckage failed to reveal any preimpact failure or malfunction.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA344 for the full record.