Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Columbia, South Carolina
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:
Old Time Aero LLC
Accident Number: GAA20CA059
Date & Time: November 3, 2019, 17:43 Local
Registration: N87173
Aircraft: Ercoupe 415
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
Analysis
The pilot reported that, while on final approach to land on a grass runway, he was suddenly unable to see the runway clearly, which caused him to flare the airplane late. The airplane bounced and drifted left. The left landing gear touched down in tall vegetation, and the airplane veered left and impacted a fence. The pilot further reported that he was unsure what caused his inability to see the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing, loss of directional control, and impact with a fence.
Findings
Aircraft Landing flare - Not attained/maintained
Aircraft Directional control - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Environmental issues Fence/fence post - Effect on operation
Factual Information
History of Flight
Landing Abnormal runway contact
Landing Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Landing Runway excursion
Landing Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Pilot Information
Certificate: Sport Pilot
Age: 62,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Sport pilot
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: August 8, 2019
Flight Time: (Estimated) 124.5 hours (Total, all aircraft), 101.5 hours (Total, this make and model), 33.4 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 11.3 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 2.7 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2.7 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Ercoupe
Registration: N87173
Model/Series: 415 C
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1946
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 346
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: October 17, 2019 100 hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1320 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2062.8 Hrs
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: C-85
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 85 Horsepower
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held:None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KGSP,971 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 22:53 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 157°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 140°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.2 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 9°C / 1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Athens, GA (AHN)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Greer, SC (PVT)
Type of Clearance: VFR; Traffic advisory
Departure Time: 16:17 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G
Airport Information
Airport: The Flying Few PVT
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 1000 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 28
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 1700 ft / 40 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 35.034168,-82.298889(est)
recall a flight in the late 50s, what interest me was "a two-place, low-wing monoplane that utilized a two-control system, linking the rudder and aileron controls systems (yaw and roll) with the steerable nose wheel, via a control wheel. The wheel controlled the elevator (pitch) and the steering of the airplane both on the ground and in the air, thus eliminating the need for rudder pedals. With no rudder pedals or stick, the aircraft took on automobile characteristics including a brake on the floor."
ReplyDeletehttps://www.si.edu/object/nasm_A19790677000
Pretty hard to lose control of the flat footed flyer!
ReplyDeleteIf the oleos and taxi "pucks" are not maintained, they can be tail low. This puts the wing into a flying angle of attack, and reduces steering authority on the nose gear. Since this one was experimental, I'd be curious about what modifications put it in that category. Also, when properly maintained, they can be landed in very strong crosswinds, so it is possible that weather played a factor, since Ercoupe pilots often fly in decent amounts of wind. Sad to see one of these neat old birds wrecked, glad the pilot was not hurt.
DeleteThey are showing the aircraft as being Experimental, however, the FAA record shows it has a Standard Airworthiness.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteErcoupes can be reclassified as "experimental" under certain STCs. Read here for info:
https://www.ercoupe.org/index.php/forums/general/413-new-engines-for-the-ercoupe