Taylorcraft DCO-65 N50408 accident near Boyne City, Michigan

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain airplane control while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a stall/spin and impact with the terrain.

NTSB analysis

Witnesses saw the airplane flying southbound between their location and the airport's runway. The engine sounded normal and was "not running rough," and the airplane's altitude was between 50 and 75 feet above ground level. One witness stated that the airplane started a left turn and then abruptly pulled up, possibly reacting to a set of nearby power lines. The airplane entered a spin and impacted the road in a nearly vertical, nose-down attitude. The postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no preexisting anomalies that could be associated with a preimpact condition. The propeller exhibited characteristics indicative of engine power at impact. The pilot had medical conditions that included atrial fibrillation, some degree of bradycardia, depression, and the use of multiple potentially sedating medications. While the pilot was likely medically impaired to some extent, the investigation was unable to determine if that impairment played a role to the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11FA480 for the full record.