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October 17, 2019 · Ercoupe 415 C · N2585H

Alvin, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 17, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Alvin, TX
Aircraft
Ercoupe 415 C (1946)
Tail Number
N2585H
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA20CA031

The pilot reported that, before departure, he fueled the airplane to full capacity (24 gallons). He added that, about 3 hours 36 minutes into the flight, upon descending to 2,000 ft, the engine began to run roughly. He reported that, for about 5 minutes, the engine fluctuated between running roughly and intermittently before quitting entirely. He decided to land in a subdivision. During the "high speed flare," he observed the left wing was approaching a light pole, so he "drove the yoke right." The airplane landed hard, and he applied hard braking. The right wheel hit the curb, and the right wing impacted a fence. He saw another light pole and added left yoke input. The airplane ground looped to the left. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that he examined the fuel tanks and found no visible signs of fuel.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, a total loss of engine power, and an off-airport landing, during which the airplane landed hard and then ground looped.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, prior to departure, he fueled the airplane to full capacity (24 gallons). He added that, about 3 hours and 36 minutes into the flight, upon descending to 2,000 ft, the engine began to run rough. He reported that over the span of about 5 minutes, it fluctuated between running rough and intermittent before quitting entirely. He decided to land in a subdivision. During the "high speed flare", he observed the left wing was approaching a light pole, so he "drove the yoke right." The airplane landed hard and he applied hard braking. The right wheel hit the curb and the right wing impacted a mud fence. He saw another light pole and added left yoke input. The airplane ground looped to the left. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that the fuel tanks were inspected upon arrival and there were no visible signs of fuel.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:12 CDT
Nearest Airport2nm SE
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftErcoupe 415 C
Tail NumberN2585H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A&C75 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 65 · Sprt · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 50
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data