# Accident 20191017023729A: Engineering & Research ERCOUPE 415-C, Alvin, TX, October 17, 2019

- Type: FAA accident report (Accident/Incident Data System), as reported
- Date: October 17, 2019, 11:00 local time
- Place: Alvin, TX
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Phase of flight: Descent
- Operating rules: General operating rules (Part 91)
- Location: 29.4514° N, 95.3025° W: From the FAA
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.4514&lon=-95.3025&mi=10
- Aircraft: N2585H, a cancelled registration (https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2585H-2023-02-04) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry model: Engineering & Research ERCOUPE 415-C (registry code 0420312, https://openairdocs.org/model/engineering-research-ercoupe-415-c) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: Continental A&C75 series (registry code 17005, https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c75-series) (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ENGINEERING & RESEARCH ERCOUPE 415-C
- Reported engine: CONT MOTOR A&C75 SERIES
- People aboard: 1
- Fatal injuries: 0
- Other injuries: 0
- Pilot certificates: Private pilot
- Pilot flight hours: 350 total, 80 in this make and model, 14 in the last 90 days
- NTSB investigation: [NTSB GAA20CA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA20CA031) (OpenAirDocs)
- FAA source: FAA Aviation Safety Information Portal (https://asip.faa.gov/)
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/incident/20191017023729A

## Narrative

As the FAA filed it, in capitals; the FAA replaces private details with ^PRIVACY DATA OMITTED^.

ON 10/17/2019 THE PILOT DEPARTED SONORA, TX (SOA) ENROUTE TO PEARLAND, TX (LVJ) IN AIRCRAFT N2585H. WHEN THE PILOT WAS GETTING CLOSE TO THE DESTINATION, HE REALIZED THE FUEL INDICATOR FLOAT, LOCATED IN THE CENTER OF THE AIRCRAFT JUST FORWARD OF THE CABIN WINDSHIELD, WAS NOT FLOATING OR MOVING ANYMORE AS IF THERE WAS NO MORE FUEL IN THE MAIN TANK. THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH AND CEASED OPERATION. THE PILOT NAVIGATED THE AIRCRAFT TO A ROAD WITHIN A NEW SUBDIVISION UNDER CONSTRUCTION. DURING THE EMERGENCY LANDING THE AIRCRAFT RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE, THE PILOT WAS UNHURT. POST EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT INDICATED THERE WAS NO VISIBLE FUEL CONTAINED IN ANY OF THE FUEL TANKS.

## The NTSB's investigation of this event (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB GAA20CA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA20CA031), Oct 17, 2019: Ercoupe 415 (N2585H), Alvin, TX, substantial damage. 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.

From the FAA Accident/Incident Data System. Reports are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. For accidents, the NTSB's own investigation is the fuller record.

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