20010624016409A

(.19) On June 24, 2001, approximately 1500 central daylight time, a Ercoupe (eng & research corp.) 415-CD airplane, N3962H, was destroyed when it impacted terrain during the initial takeoff climb from the Mcalester regional airport (mlc), Mcalester, Oklahoma. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained fatal injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the 14 code of federal regulations part 91 personal flight. The cross country flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to personnel from brenair aviations services FBO, approximately 1430, the airplanes wing fuel tanks were topped off with 7.9 gallons of 100LL fuel. Personnel asked the pilot if he needed oil and the pilot responded that he would be adding "some," but that he had his own oil and did not need to purchase any. There was no further contact with the pilot, and the airplane had not been reported missing. On June 25, 2001, at 0930, the airplane was spotted by a helicopter that departed mlc on an unrelated business flight. The helicopter crew maneuvered the helicopter near the airplane and verified that there was one occupant inside of the airplane. Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane was on a private ranch approximately 1/4 mile southeast of the departure end of runway 19. A GPS recorded the accident location at latitude 034 degrees 52.349 minutes north and longitude 095 degrees 46.868 minutes west. The airplane came to rest on a heading of 210 degrees magnetic. The initial impact scar consisted of a crater and two linear scars that emanated outward from the crater. The linear scars were consistent with the leading edge of each wing. The leading edges of both wings were compressed rearward. Examination of the trees surrounding the accident site revealed that the only trees with freshly severed limbs were located directly above the airplane. The propeller assembly remained attached to the engine and the engine remained attached to the airframe; however, the engine was displaced rearward through the cockpit instrument panel. One propeller blade was bent rearward 90 degrees at midspan and the second propeller blade was bent rearward 45 degrees at midspan. The propeller's spinner did not display any evidence of rotation. Both wings were partiall y separated at the wing root. The empennage, which was buckled, and the tail section remained attached to each other. Flight control continuity was established for the rudder, elevator, elevator trim, and aileron control systems. (.4) the airplane's fuel tanks were topped off and the flight departed. The following day the airplane was found 1/4 mile from the departure end of the runway by a helicopter that departed on an unrelated business flight. The helicopter crew maneuvered the helicopter near the airplane and observed the accident site among rough and uneven terrain. There were no witnesses to the accident and no distress calls were received. The damage to the airplane and signatures at the accident site, including ground scars, were consistent with a stall. Examination of the airframe did not reveal any anomalies that would preclude normal operation of the airplane. Examination of the engine revealed several anomalies, including ferrous debris in the cylinders and main oil screen; however, there was no evidence of catastrophic engine failure.