Taylorcraft BC12-D1 accident near Daingerfield, Texas, February 2, 1999
On February 2, 1999 at about 10:15 pm local time, a Taylorcraft BC12-D1, registered N44174, was substantially damaged in an accident near Daingerfield, Texas. It was a ferry flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person had minor injuries. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
An undetermined airframe malfunction which rendered the aircraft uncontrollable.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- February 2, 1999 · about 10:15 pm local time
- Place
- Daingerfield, Texas · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person had minor injuries.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Taylorcraft BC12-D1 · all BC12-D1s on the register
- Registration
- N44174 · no longer on the register · serial 9974
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Ferry flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The 1946 model airplane impacted trees following a loss of control. The pilot stated that the airplane was in cruise flight at 2,100 feet MSL, when he heard a 'loud pop.' The airplane spiraled to the left about 2.5 times before impacting trees. An aircraft mechanic and FAA inspector found the left wing cross brace wires loose, but could not determine if the loose wires were a pre-impact condition. They also found an aileron bolt installed upside down, 'causing it to rub against the wing.' The pilot could not remember if the aileron movement was restricted; he could only remember using full right rudder in attempt to keep the airplane level. Photographs of the airplane in the tree reveal that the ailerons were positioned for a right turn.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
Pilot
- Certificate: airline transport pilot
- Ratings: multi-engine land; single-engine land; instrument: airplane
- Flight time: 2,980 hours in all; 18 in this make and model; 40 in the last 90 days; 12 in the last 30 days; 2,480 as pilot in command; 600 on instruments
- Medical certificate: Class 2 (valid medical--no waivers/lim.)
- Seat: left
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 1,632 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, November 15, 1998; 8 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 800 lb
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Continental A-65-8 (piston); 0 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: SHV Shreveport LA at 9:07 pm
- Destination: PRX Paris TX
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 0
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 320° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 63°F (17°C), dew point 43°F (6°C)
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observation at 9:53 pm from TXK, 38 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.