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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 22, 1994 · Ercoupe Eng & Research 415D · N93763

Boynton Beach, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 22, 1994
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Boynton Beach, FL
Aircraft
Ercoupe Eng & Research 415D
Tail Number
N93763
Operator
Nicks David G
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA94LA147

THE PILOT STATED THAT WHILE ON APPROACH TO LAND, HE INADVERTENTLY PULLED THE MIXTURE CONTROL INSTEAD OF THE CARBURETOR HEAT CONTROL. AFTER REALIZING HIS MISTAKE HE PUSHED IN THE MIXTURE CONTROL BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND. UNABLE TO LAND AT THE AIRSTRIP HE CRASHED INTO A CANAL SHORT OF THE AIRSTRIP. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE BY AN FAA AIRWORTHINESS INSPECTOR REVEALED THAT THE MIXTURE CONTROL CABLE WAS SEPARATED FROM THE MIXTURE CONTROL ARM AT THE CARBURETOR EXPLAINING THE LACK OF ENGINE RESPONSE.

NTSB Probable Cause

INADVERTENT USE OF THE MIXTURE CONTROL WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH TO LAND. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE SEPARATION OF THE MIXTURE CONTROL CABLE FROM THE CARBURETOR.

Full Narrative

On May 22, 1994, about 1800 eastern daylight time, an Engineering and Research Ercoupe 415-D, N93763, crashed into a canal while on approach to land at the Willis Gliderport, Boynton Beach, Florida, while on a 14 CFR part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial-rated pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight originated from the Wlllis Gliderport about 5 minutes earlier. The pilot stated that while on final approach to land he inadvertently pulled the mixture control instead of the carburetor heat control. He realized his mistake and pushed the mixture control in but the engine did not respond. Realizing that he would not land on the runway he initiated a turn to crash land in a canal, and during the turn the left wing collided with trees. The airplane spun to the left and crashed into the canal. Both occupants exited the airplane and waded to the bank of the canal. Examination of the engine by an FAA airworthiness inspector revealed that the mixture control cable was separated from the mixture control arm at the carburetor. The bolt, washer, and nut were missing.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:00 EDT
Nearest AirportWillis Gliderport (1nm E)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftErcoupe Eng & Research 415D
Tail NumberN93763
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorNicks David G
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-90-12F · Reciprocating · 90
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 59 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time22:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data