Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate remedial action. Factors include crosswinds, gusts, and the pilot's lack of total experience in tailwheel type aircraft.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot, who had limited experience in tailwheel aircraft, was attempting to land in a strong, gusty crosswind. He lost control of the aircraft during the flare/touchdown, and his remedial actions were inadequate to bring the aircraft back under control. While he was attempting to regain control, the aircraft nosed over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 28, 1993, at approximately 1525 Pacific daylight time (PDT), a Taylorcraft BC-12D, N43387, flipped over during the landing roll at Evergreen Field, Vancouver, Washington. The FAA certificated flight instructor, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was not injured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The local pleasure flight, which began about 1420 PDT, was in visual meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. No flight plan had been filed, and there was no report of an ELT activation. The pilot, who said he had 1.2 hours of pilot in command time in tailwheel aircraft, was attempting to land in a strong, gusty, crosswind. During the flare/touchdown he lost control of the aircraft, and his remedial action was not adequate to recover. During the attempt to regain control, the aircraft nosed over. -