Taylorcraft DCO-65 N48446 accident near Copper City, Michigan

Preliminary information

On August 14, 2026, about 1945 central daylight time, a Taylorcraft DCO-65 airplane, N48446, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Copper City, Michigan. The pilot was seriously injured. The pilot-rated passenger was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot-rated passenger reported that the takeoff was conducted from a grass airstrip with trees located off the end. The pre-takeoff run-up and magneto check were good, and the engine seemed to be performing normally. However, after becoming airborne, the airplane was not climbing, and the airspeed seemed to be near stall. As the trees became closer, the pilot intentionally turned the airplane to avoid a direct collision. During that turn, the airplane stalled and subsequently impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The airplane was retained for further examination.

Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA292 for the full record.