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NTSB Report
October 11, 1985 · Ercoupe Eng & Research 415-D · N3191H
Sterling, MA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 11, 1985
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Sterling, MA
Aircraft
Ercoupe Eng & Research 415-D
Tail Number
N3191H
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
NYC86LA007
THE ACFT CONTACTED TREES WHILE MAKING AN APCH TO RWY 34 AT STERLING, MASSACHUSETTS. THE ACFT CRASHED ABOUT 100 FT SHORT OF THE RWY. THE PLT STATED THAT A SEVERE DOWNDRAFT WAS ENCOUNTERED AND THEN A RAPID RATE OF DESCENT FOLLOWED. THE LEFT MAIN GEAR STRUCK TREES VEERING THE ACFT LEFT 20 DEGS. THE ACFT PITCHED THROUGH THE TREES, STRIKING THE GROUND LEFT WING AND NOSE FIRST.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT CONTACTED TREES WHILE MAKING AN APCH TO RWY 34 AT STERLING, MASSACHUSETTS. THE ACFT CRASHED ABOUT 100 FT SHORT OF THE RWY. THE PLT STATED THAT A SEVERE DOWNDRAFT WAS ENCOUNTERED AND THEN A RAPID RATE OF DESCENT FOLLOWED. THE LEFT MAIN GEAR STRUCK TREES VEERING THE ACFT LEFT 20 DEGS. THE ACFT PITCHED THROUGH THE TREES, STRIKING THE GROUND LEFT WING AND NOSE FIRST.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 EDT
Nearest AirportSTERLING (0nm N)
Runway34
Runway Length3100 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftErcoupe Eng & Research 415-D
Tail NumberN3191H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C85-12 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 29 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 9 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time17:15
Weather SourcePILO