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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

August 3, 2002 · Ercoupe Eng & Research G · N94431

Palmyra, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 3, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Palmyra, WI
Aircraft
Ercoupe Eng & Research G
Tail Number
N94431
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI02LA230

The pilot was conducting a practice power-off approach as part of a flight review. The approach was initiated "abeam the numbers" on downwind (in the traffic pattern). The pilot reported that as the airplane was about to enter the landing flare, at an altitude of approximately 6 feet agl, "the aircraft quit flying totally." The resulting hard landing caused the nose gear to collapse and the aircraft skidded to a stop on the runway. The pilot and flight instructor reported winds of 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

Failure by the pilot-in-command to properly compensate for the wind conditions, as well as an improper landing flare. Contibuting factors were the inadequate supervision by the flight instructor and the wind gusts.

Full Narrative

On August 3, 2002, at 1050 central daylight time, an Ercoupe Model G, N94431, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged during a hard landing on runway 9 (2,150ft x 200ft, turf) at the Palmyra Municipal Airport (88C), Palmyra, Wisconsin. The flight originated from the East Troy Municipal Airport (57C), East Troy, Wisconsin, at 1010 cdt and intended to return there after practicing takeoffs and landings at Palmyra. The pilot, with a certified flight instructor on board, was intending to complete a biennial flight review. The local flight was being conducted under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 and was not on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot and flight instructor did not report any injuries. As part of a flight review, the pilot initiated a power-off approach from "abeam the numbers" on downwind in the traffic pattern. On short final, at an altitude of approximately 6 feet agl, the pilot noted that "the aircraft quit flying and skidded to a stop." The flight instructor on-board, in his written statement, reported "without warning or any indication, the aircraft quit flying totally." The resulting hard landing collapsed the nose gear. The pilot and flight instructor's statements indicated that no stall warning system was installed in the aircraft. They also reported no malfunctions or failures associated with the airplane or engine prior to the accident. Weather conditions at the scene, as reported by the pilot and flight instructor, were clear skies and 8 miles visibility. They noted winds from 100 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The Rock County Airport (JVL) AWOS, 24 miles to the southwest, reported at 1045 cdt, clear skies, 10 miles visibility and winds from 110 degrees at 8 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:50 CDT
Nearest AirportPalmyra Municipal (0nm N)
Runway9
Runway Length2150 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftErcoupe Eng & Research G
Tail NumberN94431
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C85 Series · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 64 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 67 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time15:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data