Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during final approach to landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while on final approach, the right wing of the airplane struck the top of a tree about 40 feet above ground level. This resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of airplane control at an altitude too low to allow for recovery. The airplane impacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA143 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 25, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hillsboro, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- Private Strip On Owner'S Land
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Taylorcraft BC12-D
- N-number
- N43272
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- 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.