Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane stated that, during the landing roll, the airplane began to veer to the left. The pilot used both brake and rudder inputs in an effort to return to the runway centerline; however, despite the pilot's attempts to regain directional control, the airplane continued off the left side of the runway and ground looped. Postaccident examination of the left landing gear and braking system revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR15LA246 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 17, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Libby, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Libby (S59)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Taylorcraft BC12 D
- N-number
- N43616
- 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.