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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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July 29, 1997 · Ercoupe Eng & Research 415-C · N3578H

Elma, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 29, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Elma, WA
Aircraft
Ercoupe Eng & Research 415-C
Tail Number
N3578H
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA97LA197

After touchdown, the airplane departed the runway about 300 feet from the landing end of runway 25. Winds were 180 degrees at 7 knots. The pilot reported the winds as being 250 degrees at 10-15 knots, gusting to 15-20 knots. The pilot stated that she was landing on a narrow runway. She stated that when the wheels touched down, she realized an apparent wind gust had forced the aircraft to the left of the centerline. As she attempted to steer back to the right, the left wing tip struck adjacent shrubbery.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions while landing. A factor was the crosswind.

Full Narrative

On July 29, 1997, approximately 1000 Pacific daylight time, an Ercoupe 415-C, N3578H, sustained substantial damage when the pilot lost control while landing on runway 25 at Elma, Washington. The private pilot and her passenger were uninjured. No flight plan was filed for the local flight, and there was no report of the ELT actuating. The airplane departed the runway about 300 feet from the landing end of runway 25. Winds were 180 degrees at 7 knots at the time of the accident, according to an FAA source. The pilot reported the winds as being 250 degrees at 10-15 knots, gusting to 15-20 knots. The occurrence was reported to the FAA on August 20, 1997. A determination that the damage comprised an accident was determined on August 29, 1997. The pilot stated that she was landing on a narrow runway. When the wheels touched down, she realized an apparent wind gust had forced the aircraft to the left of the centerline. As she attempted to steer back to the right, the left wing tip struck adjacent shrubbery.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 PDT
Nearest AirportELMA (0nm)
Runway25
Runway Length2350 ft
Runway Width30 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftErcoupe Eng & Research 415-C
Tail NumberN3578H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200 · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 45 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 10 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data