Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing and his failure to maintain clearance from trees during the attempted aborted landing.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, during landing the wind lifted the left wing of the tailwheel-equipped airplane. As the wing came back down, the airplane began to ground loop and the airplane veered toward the right side of the runway. Due to observed terrain obstructions, the pilot elected to abort the landing and applied engine power. He attempted to clear a row of trees, but the airplane struck the trees and fell to the ground. The pilot reported that there were no anomalies with regard to the airplane. The airplane damage included bending of the left wing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA613 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 1, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Higginsville, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- Higginsville Industrial Muni (HIG)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Taylorcraft DCO-65
- N-number
- N46112
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.